Earlier this month, the Pittsburgh community was saddened to find out about the death of Kris Kelley, the former mid-day personality and music director at WAMO during the mid-90s. I had the pleasure of working with Kelley and loved watching her work and listening to her on the air. We worked in adjacent studios with a glass wall that allowed us to see into each other’s workspace. Her voice was as beautiful as she was.
One day, Kelley received a beautiful bouquet of flowers at the studio and the card simply read, “U Send Me Swinging.” I think the ladies in the studio were impressed with that beautiful message, at least I was impressed that this cleaver admirer would sign the card with the title of a track from the Mint Condition album, “The Mint Factory.”
Kelley went on to bigger and better things, and worked in Detroit and Chicago. According to radiofacts.com, it has been learned from industry resources, via the coroner, that Kelley, who was found dead in her apartment, choked while eating in her apartment alone.
Reportedly Kelley had not been in touch with a majority of the industry for months. When I found out the cause of her death, I thought how often we all eat alone and what would I do in a case like this. There have been many times where food, or even water, goes down the wrong way and I have choked to the point of tears. Sometimes I am so hungry that I eat my food too fast to even enjoy it.
My personal advice is to take time and chew your food when you are eating, and if you do choke, hopefully you will remember not to panic. I logged into several websites and here is the advice that is given if you are alone and choking.
First, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately. Then, although you’ll be unable to effectively deliver back blows to yourself, you can still perform abdominal thrusts to dislodge the item.
Place a fist slightly above your navel.
Grasp your fist with the other hand and bend over a hard surface—a countertop or chair will do.
Shove your fist inward and upward.
When former WAMO co-workers found out about the death of Kelley, aka Lavonne Battle, we conducted a virtual reunion via Facebook and instant messenger, promising to get together at some time in the future in person.
This online gathering brought back memories for those of us that had the pleasure of working with Kelley at WAMO. Popular radio personalities and behind the scenes greats, like Al B. Slyk, Jay Jay, Jay Harris, Taylor Diaz, Frank Greenlee, Kiki, Dr. Michael Lynn, Anji, producer Harriet Freeman, Tracey Lynn, Sabrina Clark and Mark Gunn joined the conversation.
Some even made plans to attend the services in Philadelphia, Pa., Kelley’s home town, on Jan. 29.
I pray for the family and the hundreds of friends that plan to make the journey. As for a “real WAMO” reunion, I’m in. Rest in Peace Kris Kelley.
(Email the columnist at debbienorrell@aol.com)
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