WPLL-FM Mourns Loss of Morning Show Host in Fatal Collision

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, December 4, 2024 | 4:46pm CT

Heather Jennings

MARC Media Group's WPLL-FM (I Am Country 106.9) in Gainesville, FL is mourning the tragic death of its morning show host, Heather Jennings, who was killed in a head-on collision on Southwest Williston Road early Tuesday morning. Jennings, a recent addition to the I Am Country team, joined the Classic Country outlet in November for mornings. She previously worked for Nature Coast Country's Z 103.3 FM in Citrus County and spent more than 20 years in the area.

"Today is really hard. And 6am was the most difficult," a station spokesperson said, reflecting on the void left by Jennings' passing.

Steve Schurdell, managing partner of Nature Coast Country, remembered Jennings fondly. "She loved country music and everything about it. We always joked that you never had to wonder if Heather was at work - you'd hear her singing at the top of her lungs," he said.

The accident occurred shortly before 5am near Southwest Wacahoota Road. According to Alachua County Fire Rescue, the collision involved a sedan traveling southbound that crossed the center line, striking Jennings' vehicle head-on.

Both drivers, including Jennings and a 30-year-old Gainesville woman, were transported to UF Health Shands Hospital, where they succumbed to their injuries. The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the crash and has not yet released the name of the other driver.