Martin Streek: 1964-2009

Famed 102.1 The Edge radio personality Martin Streek was found dead yesterday in his Toronto apartment of an apparent suicide.

Friends of the radio host report he had posted the following status update on his Facebook and Twitter pages just hours before his death:

"So...I guess that's it...thanks everyone...I'm sorry to those I should be sorry to, I love you to those that I love, and I will see you all again soon (not too soon though)... Let the stories begin."

Streek who worked for the station and its earlier incarnation, CFNY, for two decades, was an advocate for alt rock and is remembered for pushing for fresh content.

Best known as the host of the Thursday 30 countdown, Streek also hosted weekend broadcasts from the Phoenix Concert Theatre and the Velvet Underground, as well as retro 80s nights from the now defunct Whiskey Saigon.

The Sault's Inner City Surfers, who knew Streek, told SooToday.com: "We're sorry to hear about Martin. It's a really sad loss. He turned a lot of people onto really great music for a lot of years. He'll be missed."

As a result of station restructuring, Streek was let go from his position at 102.1 the Edge earlier this year along with colleague Barry Taylor.

Posted today on the station's website, www.edge.ca: "We are incredibly saddened to hear of the passing of Martin Streek. He will be missed. Our thoughts go out to his family at this difficult time."

Streek was 45 years old.

Photo by Lisa Crispo