Coby Mach, a longtime Lincoln talk radio host and president of the Lincoln Independent Business Association, was found dead on Friday, according to the Lincoln Police Department.
Officers reportedly found Mach, 53, in a parked vehicle in a south Lincoln neighborhood about 5:40 p.m. Police said his death was an apparent suicide.
Mach was known to listeners of Lincoln radio station 1400 KLIN as the host of “Drive Time Lincoln,” an hourlong 5 p.m. program in which he discussed the day’s news.
On Thursday, he announced on Facebook that his final broadcast would be Friday. He wrote that he was dealing with tinnitus, a ringing in the ear, and that his wife had undergone a series of surgeries related to breast cancer.
“It’s time to slow down,” Mach wrote in the post. “Thanks to the KLIN crew for some great years and a lot of fun. Thanks to the listeners and advertisers who made it all possible!”
Mach’s family released a statement Friday night confirming his death.
“Tonight our family lost a husband, a father and a wonderful man with the passing of Coby Mach,” his family wrote. “We are thankful for all of the love and support we have received from so many friends at this time of mourning and grief. We ask for the community’s prayers as our family reflects on the life of a man we love.”
The Lincoln Independent Business Association wrote in a statement that under Mach’s leadership, the organization’s membership doubled. The group represents about 1,350 members.
“He was a huge asset to our organization and the community of Lincoln, and his leadership and friendship will be greatly missed,” the association wrote. “Lincoln is a better community today because of the efforts of Coby Mach.”
U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse called Mach’s death “heartbreaking” in a written statement.
“Coby Mach cared deeply for his neighbors, his community and our state,” Sasse wrote. “He served all of us through his work at KLIN and as president of the Lincoln Independent Business Association. His death is simply heartbreaking. Melissa and I lift up his wife, Lorie, and children in prayer.”
