Former KGO talk radio host Ray Taliaferro found dead in Kentucky

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) --
Ray Taliaferro, an outspoken liberal who from 1977 through 2011 hosted an overnight talk radio program on KGO, has been found dead.

His son tells ABC7 News his father's body was found behind Brooks Stadium in Paducah Ky.

Taliaferro had been missing for three weeks. His son tells ABC7 there's been no luck getting in contact with his late father's wife.

The FBI is assisting in the investigation.

Taliaferro, 79, was reported missing Nov. 10, according to the Massac County Sheriff's Department, based in Metropolis, Ill., across the Ohio River from Paducah.

Further details surrounding Taliaferro's death are not clear at this time.

His son gave ABC7 News the following statement confirming his death:

"It is with great sadness that the Taliaferro family has to announce the passing of Ray Taliaferro. His body was found in Paducah, Kentucky in a wooded area approximately a mile from where he was last seen. The family appreciates the support and help we received in our search for Ray. This is a devastating ending to our search for him over these past weeks. The family is in the process of working with the police to learn the matters surrounding his death. At this time, we are processing this turn of events and ask for privacy as we work through our loss."

Before he went missing, the onetime San Francisco radio host had last been seen in Paducah on Nov. 10. A flier put out by the Paducah Police Department stated that "Ray was last seen talking with the manager of the Mellow Mushroom pizza restaurant in Paducah. He may be experiencing disorientation and signs of dement

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Foul play does not appear to have been a factor in the death of longtime KGO radio host Ray Taliaferro, whose body was discovered Sunday in the Kentucky town where he went missing on Nov. 10, authorities said.

Police in Paducah, Kentucky, issued a news release sharing initial results from an autopsy performed Tuesday, but they noted that the report has not been finalized.

“Preliminary autopsy results confirm Paducah police detectives’ initial findings that foul play is not indicated in the death of Ray Taliaferro,” the release said. “Exposure to the elements may have been a factor in the California man’s death.”

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“When Charlotte Crawford made the report, she had an opportunity to say that the car was stolen so they could find the car or she could have also gotten a ‘Silver Alert’ saying that he had severe dementia. She did neither of the two,”

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SAN FRANCISCO, CA — A celebration of life of former KGO Radio talk show host Ray Taliaferro will be held at 11 a.m. Jan. 12 at the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco. The event is open to the public and does not require reservations.

Taliaferro, a former San Francisco Arts Commission president and Commonwealth Club board member, was found dead in a wooded area of Paducah, Kentucky, earlier this month after he went missing in November. Police do not suspect foul play in his death.

Former KGO radio news anchor Rosie Allen will emcee the memorial.

Those invited or confirmed to speak include fellow KGO talk show host Ronn Owens, former mayor Willie Brown, former mayor Frank Jordan, former supervisor Angela Alioto, former KPIX TV news anchor Barbara Rogers and former KGO general manager Mickey Luckoff. Taliaferro's sons also are scheduled to speak.

The Commonwealth Club is located at 110 The Embarcadero.

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