In Memory: Lori Jaye

A Saxonburg radio announcer lost her life in a tragic motorcycle crash over the weekend.

Lori Jean LeBlanc, better known to listeners of Saxonburgradio.com and AM 1620 as Lori Jaye, was riding on a motorcycle with her boyfriend, John Jurosovich in California when their bike crashed.

LeBlanc’s death was announced Sunday by her son, Cory Walker.  LeBlanc, who was 54, was raised in Texas and North Carolina before moving to Pennsylvania. Walker said he did not yet know the circumstances surrounding his mother’s death and was still talking with police.

“She was our steel magnolia,” said Ken Hawk, owner and general manager of Saxonburgradio.com and AM 1620, who had known LeBlanc for 14 years when she began her career in 2001 with Renda Broadcasting of Indiana.  “She never came into the station without her hair, makeup, and outfit just so. But don’t let that fool you… she was a very strong woman.”

Hawk said he will not have a fill-in announcer in LeBlanc’s midday slot, but will instead leave it announcer-less for a period in tribute to her memory.

“We are deeply shocked and saddened by the loss of Lori,” Hawk said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Cory and the rest of their family.”