WDVE's Sean McDowell Undergoes Open Heart Surgery

PITTSBURGH, PA - At least Sean McDowell has maintained his sense of humor. Referencing songs such as “Piece of My Heart,” “Heartache Tonight,” and “The First Cut Is The Deepest,” the longtime WDVE-FM afternoon drive DJ announced he underwent open heart surgery on Monday.

McDowell provided details of the surgery to repair a leaking mitral valve ahd photos of its scar, on the station’s Facebook page. “The surgical incision on my chest will be a big hit at the DVE Alice Cooper Halloween Party at Stage AE,” he joked.

McDowell, 62, has spent four decades in radio in southwestern Pennsylvania and has hosted the WDVE afternoon show since 1993. He started his career at the former WYDD-FM in New Kensington in 1978 before moving to WTYK-FM in Washington and then to WRRK-FM, where he spent 13 years before joining DVE.

McDowell comes from a broadcasting family. His father, the late Al McDowell, was a longtime WTAE-TV personality.

McDowell did not indicate when he’ll be back on the air, but it won’t be soon. “I’ll be out awhile,” he said.

Image via YouTube.

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