Popular radio host dies in flash flood at the age of 66

33 February 05, 2019 | by Rodolfo Vieira

Larry Cotlar, a longtime Des Moines sports radio personality, has recently lost his life during a flash flooding that hit Des Moines, in Iowa.

It all happened on Saturday, June 30, 2018. Around 8:50 p.m., the local authorities received a call regarding a stalled van with a couple of people inside, including the legendary sportsman.

A rescue team was quickly deployed but while it was on the way, the van occupants got out, including Cotlar, who was swept away by the current. His death was announced by 1350 ESPN through their Twitter account.

The late 66-year-old left the van with the rest of the group, whose identities are yet to be revealed, in order to run for safety, but he didn't manage to overpower the strength of the waters.

A statement on our friend, Larry Cotlar. pic.twitter.com/lMsSqe6LwY
— 1350 ESPN (@ESPNDSM) July 1, 2018

Just a reminder - if you wish to learn more about the raging waters that hit Des Moines, please consider following us on our Twitter account @amomama_usa.

Drake University and the @DUBulldogs community offers its condolences to the family of Larry Cotlar, who passed away overnight during flooding in Des Moines. Cotlar was play-by-play announcer for @DrakeBulldogsMB since 2005-06 and analyst @DrakeBulldogsFB since 2013. pic.twitter.com/izvIIDf962
— Drake University (@DrakeUniversity) July 1, 2018

The van was stranded at 50th Street and Twana Drive, but Cotlar's body was found several hours later quite a few blocks away. He was known to be a great person and an amazing professional.

According to the sportscaster's website, his career started in 1974 but he stumbled upon his first big gig when he began working on the radio in 1981. In 2001, Cotlar was given his own show, Cotlar and Company, which was on the air until 2009 on KXNO-AM 1460.

To look up and see this on Broadway is so far from what I thought possible.

I wish Larry Cotlar’s name would have scrolled across Times Square for a much happier reason.

As well as he treated everyone, Larry deserved that much. pic.twitter.com/vI1kDPDZH3
— Scott Siepker (@scottsiepker) July 1, 2018

In 2005, Cotlar started broadcasting Drake University's male basketball team games alongside Dolph Pulliam. Brian Hardin, Drake's Director of Athletics, couldn't help but express his admiration for Cotlar, describing him as 'loyal, passionate and tireless.'

Crushed to learn the man who was swept away and drowned is Larry Cotlar.

Larry was Voice of the Drake Bulldogs and hosted show on @1350KRNT.

Larry was kind to everyone and loved his family, Drake, and broadcasting, among other things.

So sad. RIP Cotman.

Info via DMPD. pic.twitter.com/yIfvkNM2zh
— Keith Murphy (@MurphyKeith) July 1, 2018

The flooding that took his life happened very quickly and unexpectedly. It was fueled by three to eight inches of rain that poured over the capital of Iowa. Several businesses and homes had to be evacuated and some streets remain blocked following the rapid but devastating overflow of water.