KODS Reno Morning Host Panama Hoston Dies at 66

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, October 20, 2026 | 2:12pm CT

Panama Hoston

Longtime Northern Nevada radio personality Panama Hoston, known to listeners simply as "Panama," died Sunday evening at Renown Medical Center from complications of liver failure. He was 66.

Hoston was a familiar voice on Reno Media Group's KODS-FM (103.7 The River) and 1270 AM The Buzz, where he had entertained Northern Nevada audiences for more than two decades. He joined the company in 2002 and began hosting programs on its stations in 2003.

In 2014, Hoston teamed with Mike Leach to launch "Panama and Mike," which became a top-rated morning show in the Reno market. The pair developed a loyal following through their on-air chemistry, humor and connection with local listeners.

"Panama went about everything at 100 miles per hour and always gave it his all, until he had nothing left," Leach said. "He was the kind of person they talk about when they say 'they broke the mold after they made him.' He will be dearly missed."

Beyond his broadcasting career, Hoston was deeply involved in community service throughout Northern Nevada. He maintained a longtime partnership with the late philanthropist Evelyn Mount, working alongside her on the station's annual food drives to assist families in need.

He also served on the Board of Directors of the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame and regularly supported local charities, fundraisers and community events. His contributions to broadcasting were recognized with induction into the Nevada Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame.

"A legendary voice in Northern Nevada and a proud inductee of the Nevada Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame, Panama spent decades bringing joy, laughter and a familiar warmth to thousands of listeners each morning on the popular Panama and Mike morning show," said Reno Media Group Vice President and General Manager Kara Brown.

"Panama's profound dedication to The River and our community made an immeasurable impact on all of us," Brown added. "He was first and foremost, my friend. We are devastated by this huge loss."

Reno Media Group President Tom Quinn, who worked with Hoston for more than two decades, remembered his enthusiasm for broadcasting and commitment to helping others.

"Panama was guided by a deep drive to help others," Quinn said. "He was the heart of our company and he didn't just use his platform to entertain. He used it to uplift, support and bring our community closer together. His voice may be quiet now, but he leaves behind a community that is better and kinder because he was in it."

Born October 13, 1960, in Los Angeles, Hoston moved to Reno in 2001. He is survived by his wife, Veronica; daughter Vanessa; stepson Hector; sons Brandon and Dezmond; and four grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held Tuesday, October 27, at 5pm at The Flowing Tide, 465 S. Meadows Parkway, Suite 5, in South Reno. The gathering is open to family, friends, listeners and others wishing to honor his memory.