R.I.P.: WNAV Annapolis ND Barbara Cox

Barbara Cox

Barbara Smith-Cox, the news director at WNAV 1430 AM / 99-9 T-FM died suddenly at her home early Friday.

She was 55 years-of-age, according to capitalgazette.com.

She had fought and won a battle against breast cancer and emceed a forum on cancer survival the night before she died.

Last Sunday she completed the Across the Bay 10K race across the Bay Bridge.

Reports indicate that when WNAV called her Arnold home Friday after she failed to report to work, family members found her unresponsive. The station reported her family has attributed her death to natural causes.

Friends and public officials spoke of her steadfast dedication to her job and her knack for lifting the spirits of anyone who crossed her path.

WNAV station manager Steve Hopp said he first met Barbara Cox, the name she used on-air, at a jobs fair at Anne Arundel Community College.

"She had recently moved to the Annapolis area from Florida and she had some radio experience. It was a perfect fit for us," Hopp said.

"Barbara was part of the nucleus of this station. We had a pretty tight working family," Hopp said. "It is very difficult for us."

Police and fire officials who posted condolences on social media all spoke of Cox's professionalism.
County Executive-elect Steve Schuh issued a statement: "Annapolis radio lost a great personality today. Barbara Cox was a consummate professional who was always cheerful no matter what obstacles were placed in her way."