Body Of Missing Radio Host Jeffrey 'JV' Vandergrift Found At Pier 39

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — A body found Wednesday near Pier 39 has been identified as Bay Area radio icon Jeffrey Vandergrift, publicly known as Wild 94.9’s JV, according to authorities.

Vandergrift, 55, had been missing since Feb. 23 and was considered at-risk, according to police, who said he was discovered deceased around 5 p.m. in the water and that there was no evidence of foul play.

Vandergrift has publicly shared his diagnosis with Lyme disease and related struggle with suicidal thoughts.

In the days immediately following his disappearance, there was no trackable activity on his cellphone, credit cards or bank records, Wild 94.9 said in a Facebook post late last month. In a statement March 2, his wife, Natasha Yi, said newly discovered information led her to believe Vandergrift would not return.

“We are devastated to know now that JV is gone,” said a post Thursday on the radio station’s website. “Please keep his wife Natasha, his family, and close friends in your thoughts and prayers. JV, we'll miss you. You are forever a Bay Area Icon.”

Vandergrift has been a local radio mainstay for decades, first on The Dog House, which became the No. 1 morning show in the region, and later as the host of The JV Show.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, there are resources to help. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24 hours a day by calling 988. Its website offers services including a live chat.