R.I.P.: Panama Hoston, Longtime Northern Nevada Personality

(1960-2026)

Longtime Northern Nevada radio personality Panama Hoston, known to listeners simply as “Panama,” died Sunday evening, Oct. 18, at Renown Medical Center from complications of liver failure. He was 66.

Hoston had been a fixture of Reno Media Group stations for more than two decades, hosting shows on 103.7 The River (KODS) and 1270 AM The Buzz. He joined the company in 2002 and began on-air work in 2003. In 2014, he teamed with Mike Leach to create the “Panama and Mike” morning show, which became the top-rated morning program in the market.

A Nevada Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame inductee, Hoston was remembered for his high-energy style and deep community involvement. He partnered for years with the late philanthropist Evelyn Mount on the station’s annual food drives, helping provide meals for families across Northern Nevada. He also served on the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame’s board of directors and regularly supported local charities, fundraisers, and community events.⁠

“Panama went about everything at 100 miles per hour and always gave it his all, until he had nothing left,” said longtime co-host Mike Leach. “He was the kind of person they talk about when they say ‘they broke the mold after they made him.’ He will be dearly missed.”

Kara Brown, vice president and general manager of Reno Media Group, called him “a legendary voice in Northern Nevada” who brought “joy, laughter and a familiar warmth to thousands of listeners each morning.” She added that his dedication to the station and the community “made an immeasurable impact” and that he was “a true champion for Northern Nevada.” Reno Media Group President Tom Quinn described him as “the heart of our company” who used his platform “to uplift, support, and bring our community closer together.”

Born Oct. 13, 1960, in Los Angeles, Hoston moved to Reno in 2001. He is survived by his wife, Veronica; his daughter, Vanessa; his stepson, Hector; his two sons from a previous relationship, Brandon and Dezmond; and four grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27, at The Flowing Tide, 465 S. Meadows Parkway in South Reno. The event is open to everyone who knew or loved him. Listeners and friends may share memories or condolences by emailing TheRiver1037@gmail.com, leaving a voice message at (775) 302-5096 (which may be used on the air), or posting on The River’s Facebook page.