Gene Purcell Madison WI Obituary – Death: Wisconsin Public Media Director Gene Purcell, 61, of Madison, WI, died Saturday of injuries sustained in a tragic accident in the area of the westbound Beltline frontage road and Todd Drive, near the Wisconsin Public Media building.
Purcell was riding his motorcycle when he was struck by a car, which then collided with a large utility pole and caused power lines to fall.
Purcell was taken to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
My heart is having trouble processing this sudden sad news about our colleague and friend Gene Purcell. A wonderful leader, a genuinely kind person, a friend to all. He will be deeply missed.
— Roz Greiert (@RozGreiert) August 3, 2021
Gene Purcell worked in Wisconsin radio & public media throughout his career. He started as a UW-La Crosse student and ended up as the leader of Wisconsin Public Media.
Gene Purcell taught me how to do radio news, from how to hold a mic & record interviews to asking the right questions & writing clear concise copy. Most of all he was a great leader for Wisc, a good friend & had great taste in music. I am gutted by this. @WPR @PBSWI @NPR
— David Schaper (@davidschaperNPR) August 2, 2021
Purcell had run WPM since 2018. He manage its administrative move to the University of Wisconsin-Madison from the University of Wisconsin-Extension.
Wisconsin Public Media (WPM) is saddened by the death of Gene Purcell, director of the @UWMadison division that provides statewide access to public media through @WPR and @PBSWI. Find more about Gene’s career and legacy pic.twitter.com/7hVUuKfSJW
— WPR (@WPR) August 3, 2021
This is so tragic. Rozie and I both interacted with Gene Purcell back when he was running the WPR stations in La Crosse.
— Obbie King (@Obbie_Z) August 3, 2021
Wisconsin Public Media Remembers Director Gene Purcell – PBS Wisconsin has been published on Canada News Media – Â #news
— Canadanewsmedia (@canadanewsmedia) August 3, 2021
canadanewsmedia: Wisconsin Public Media Remembers Director Gene Purcell – PBS Wisconsin has been published on Canada News Media – Â #news
— Nick Kossovan 🙏 ❤️ 🌎 (@NKossovan) August 3, 2021
Friends and colleagues shared memories of Wisconsin Public Media Director Gene Purcell, who died following a fatal accident last week.
“He had a dedication to making sure that we served the audience of Wisconsin.”
— WPR (@WPR) August 3, 2021
I’m so sorry to hear this. I just was reading the email from Mike Crane about Mr Purcell. My heart goes out to the entire WPR family and to Gene’s family. Let music be our healing harmony. 🎶
— @BabbooWi (@BabbooWI) August 3, 2021
Wisconsin Watch is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Gene Purcell, chair of the Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism board of directors. Gene’s leadership and commitment to public service will never be forgotten.
— Wisconsin Watch (@WisconsinWatch) August 3, 2021
Gene Purcell was a good-natured person who helped shape public news media in Wisconsin. He will be sorely missed by family, friends, and the La Crosse and Madison communities.
My condolences go out to everyone touched by his kindness and wisdom.
— Senator Brad Pfaff (@SenBradPfaff) August 3, 2021
The Department of Communication Arts expresses our condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Wisconsin Public Media Director Gene Purcell, who passed away Saturday, July 31.
— UW-Madison Comm Arts (@uwcommarts) August 4, 2021
The Dane County Medical Examiner confirms the person killed in a motorcycle crash last week was Wisconsin Public Media director Gene Purcell.
— News 3 Now / Channel 3000 (@WISCTV_News3) August 6, 2021
