Monday, December 1, 2025

R.I.P.: Michelle Matthews, OM For Albuquerque Radio Cluster

Michael Matthews ('71-25)
Michelle Matthews Rigden, Operations Manager for American General Media’s Albuquerque cluster, died Thanksgiving morning, November 27, 2025, at age 54 after a brief illness.

Rigden, who joined the company only six months earlier in May 2025, oversaw Kiss 97.3 (KKSS), Mix 105.1 (KKRG), Radio LOBO 97.7 (KLVO), and 102.9 Fuego (KJFA), reporting to General Manager Luke Burch.

A 30-year radio veteran, she previously spent eight years as Operations Manager and Program Director for Saga Communications in Columbus, Ohio, programming Sunny 95 (WSNY) and Mix 107.9 (WVMX), and most recently programmed Cumulus Media’s Hot AC 96.3 WDVD in Detroit until 2024.

Born Michelle Weber and professionally known as Michelle Matthews before marrying and becoming Michelle Weber Rigden, she was 54 at the time of her death.