Matt O’Neill was a beloved Calgary radio personality whose warmth, wit, and vulnerability resonated with listeners for over 25 years. Born in Calgary, Alberta in 1970. Matt built a distinguished career in broadcasting, most notably as the co‑host of the morning show on JACK FM Calgary. He first joined JACK in the early 2000s as part of the “Matt and Sarah” show and quickly became a household name in southern Alberta.
Throughout his career, Matt was open about his personal struggles with alcoholism and depression—sharing his journey on air and playing an instrumental role in raising awareness around mental health. His weekly segment featuring a guest from the Calgary Canadian Mental Health Association helped highlight coping strategies and mental‑health conversations in an accessible way. His candidness even reportedly helped save a listener’s life.
His former co‑host Eric Francis confirmed on social media that Matt passed away on July 25, 2025, following a courageous battle with cancer. The Calgary community mourned his loss, and Eric described him as “a talented broadcaster, great friend and loving father”. His precise age at passing has not been publicly disclosed, but he was widely recognized as a veteran broadcaster of more than two decades.
Though some biographies note he had a family—Matt was described as a devoted father to sons—details about his spouse or number and names of children have not been revealed in public sources. Similarly, there’s no available information about his education, parents, or exact birthdate. His nationality was Canadian, as a lifelong Calgarian and radio personality based in Alberta.
Before his tenure at JACK FM, Matt had earlier experience in radio, potentially including spells at Mix 99.9 in Toronto (as noted in obituaries) and other Canadian stations, ultimately earning high ratings and a reputation as a trusted morning voice in Calgary.
Regarding net worth or estate values, no public records or reporting disclosed such details; given the nature of Canadian radio and community broadcasting, any estimate would be speculative.
In sum, Matt O’Neill emerged as a fixture of Calgary radio for more than 25 years, a voice that welcomed listeners, lifted spirits, and tackled important issues with honesty and compassion. He passed away on July 25, 2025, leaving behind sons and a wide community of listeners who continue to remember his laughter, his advocacy, and his warmth.
If you’re interested in exploring more about Matt’s segments, his recovery advocacy, or tributes from colleagues and listeners, I’d be happy to help search further.
Matt O’Neill, Former Calgary Radio Co-host Profile
- Age at Death: 55
- Date of Birth: 1970
- Date of Death: July 2025
- Status: Deceased
- Place of birth / Nationality: Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Canadian by birth and career
Nationality: Canadian
Spouse: Had an on-air partner named Sarah, but this is not confirmed as his spouse.
Children: Two sons, Liam and Beck, aged 19 and 17 respectively.
Work History: - Morning radio show host at Mix 99.9 in Toronto (5 years).
- Morning show host at Jack FM (Rock97) in Calgary (15 years).
- Host of the HockeyXtra Show (volunteer organization promoting youth minor hockey) (10 years) .
Career spanned over 25 years.
Bio Highlights: - Prominent Calgary radio personality.
- Known for his engaging presence and talent as a broadcaster.
- Public advocacy: Openly shared his struggles with alcoholism and depression, emphasizing recovery; used his platform to destigmatize mental‑health challenges
Participated in a weekly segment with the Calgary Canadian Mental Health Association.
Diagnosed with cancer in January 2024
Complications from cancer led to other health issues, including seizures, and his eventual passing . - Net Worth: Not available
- Community involvement: Volunteer work with youth hockey and minor‑hockey promotion (HockeyXtra) and wider Calgary community; remembered fondly by fans and colleagues for lifting spirits and connecting listeners
In recent years, O’Neill became open about his struggles with mental health and addiction, choosing to share his journey publicly, according to Simply Counselling Services Inc.. He even participated in a weekly segment on his show with the Calgary Canadian Mental Health Association to help break the stigma surrounding these issues. In January 2024, O’Neill revealed that he had been diagnosed with cancer. The complications from his battle with cancer ultimately led to other health issues, including seizures, as stated by the Calgary Herald.
Information about O’Neill’s spouse, parents, net worth, and nationality are not available in the provided search results. While some sources mention an on-air partner named Sarah, it’s important to remember that this does not necessarily indicate a romantic relationship. In a July 25, 2025 Facebook post, someone wrote about visiting their parents in Ontario, where the father fell and broke his hip, as noted in a Facebook post. It’s unclear if this is referring to Matt O’Neill’s parents. However, it’s clear that Matt O’Neill made a lasting impression on the broadcasting world and in the hearts of many Calgarians.
