What happened to Delilah’s sons Sammy and Zachariah? Family tragedy explored as beloved radio host opens up about loss

The beloved voice behind the long-running radio program Delilah, Delilah Rene, has had a great career in radio hosting. But behind the scenes, she has had several personal losses in the form of the death of her loved ones.

In 2012, her 16-year-old son Sammy passed away from complications of sickle cell anemia. According to Christian Broadcasting Network, Sammy, who was adopted from Ghana, had struggled with health issues throughout his life. His death had been a hard blow to Delilah.

Five years later, tragedy struck again when Delilah’s 18-year-old biological son, Zachariah, died by suicide. She wrote on Facebook that Zachariah had been struggling with depression for some time and was in treatment for some time. He eventually ended his life in October 2017.

"He was being treated, counseled, and embraced fiercely by family and friends while battling depression for some time now... My heart is broken beyond repair." She wrote in her post.

The radio host later revealed that a series of traumatic events began to take a toll on her son’s mental health: a car accident, a tough breakup, illness, and academic pressure.

Zachariah had discontinued his antidepressant medication a few days before his death, claiming its side effects were so severe. Delilah has since spoken out about the dangers of certain drugs being prescribed to younger people, explaining that she felt the drug was responsible for her son’s state of mind.

She told CBS News:

"The drug makers know that in people under 25 years old, 47 percent of the time it causes more suicidal ideas... We never knew we were giving him a poison. We thought we were helping."

More about Delilah’s career and how she dealt with the loss of her children

In a recent exclusive interview with People, the radio host addressed her grief and how some nights, it leaves her empty. She realized that real-world connection and caring for others are how she fills the emotional void.

Her devout Christian faith, her close relationship with her children and grandchildren, and her conviction that every person matters keep her going.

She further shared:

"When I'm hurting or empty, and I open my heart to share with someone else, I'm filled up,"

Delilah was inducted into the NAB Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 2017 and the National Radio Hall of Fame in 2016, recognizing her 40-year-long career in the industry.

Trending

Delilah's radio career started when she was in middle school in Reedsport, Oregon, reporting for KDUN. According to the National Association of Broadcasters, her adult contemporary show is today heard by more than eight million weekly listeners on approximately 160 stations, making her the most widely heard woman on the radio in the United States.

Delilah has also written three books, including Arms Full of Love (2012), in which she narrates personal stories about love and family. Apart from a radio career, she established Point Hope, a non-profit that serves foster children with special needs in the US and refugees in Ghana. Delilah is a mother to 13 children, 10 of whom are adopted.

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback