What Happened to Fred Toucher? Concerns on Social Media
by Sona
Updated Jun 01, 2023
Who is Fred Toucher?
Fred Toucher, also known as Fred Toettcher, is a prominent sports radio talk show host who gained recognition for his work on WBZ-FM in Boston. He co-hosts the highly acclaimed show "Toucher and Rich" alongside Rich Shertenlieb. Born in 1975 and hailing from Detroit, Fred Toettcher graduated from Rollins College in 1997.
He began his career at a small radio station in Cumming, Georgia, and later secured a position hosting nights on 99X in Atlanta in 1999. Over time, he transitioned to the morning show on 99X. In 2006, after leaving his Atlanta show, Fred partnered with Rich Shertenlieb to launch The Toucher and Rich Show on WBCN in Boston.
The show gained immense popularity and, in 2009, it found its home on 98.5 The Sports Hub. The Toucher and Rich Show quickly established itself as one of the most beloved radio programs in New England. It achieved significant success, topping the morning drive category with a 10.5 share in the fall 2018 Nielsen Audio ratings for Boston.
What Happened to Fred Toucher?
Fred Toucher, a host on Boston's 98.5 "The Sports Hub," has recently raised concerns among fans and listeners. Over the weekend, he posted a series of troubling tweets expressing a desire for self-harm. Although the tweets have been deleted, they contained statements like "You ever wish to die" and "I want to die, baby."
Later, Toucher shared a picture on Instagram, showing himself strapped to an ambulance stretcher, implying that the radio talk show host was in the hospital. However, the photo and related comments have since been removed, and Toucher's Twitter account has been deactivated.
In the past few months, Toucher has been open about his struggles with a cancer scare, which has undoubtedly taken a toll on his mental health. During his leave of absence from the Toucher and Rich show, he voiced frustration towards his co-host Rich Shertenlieb and others involved with the program, as he felt they lacked concern for his well-being. He has since issued an apology for his outburst.
Currently, there have been no formal updates regarding Fred Toucher's situation. However, his co-host, Rich Shertenlieb, briefly addressed Toucher's absence on the show, providing limited information. The specific details and reasons for Toucher's prolonged absence remain unclear at this time.
What Happened to Fred Toucher Voice?
Fred Toucher made his return to the popular morning show, "Toucher and Rich," on 98.5 The Sports Hub after a month-long leave of absence. During his absence, Toucher sought treatment for a throat issue that was impacting his voice.
During his recent doctor's appointment, Fred Toucher received news that a mass was discovered on his vocal cords, which the doctor suspected to be cancerous. However, due to severe swelling around the mass, immediate surgery was not possible. The doctor advised Toucher to refrain from speaking for a period of two weeks and requested him to follow up after that time.
At the start of the program, Toucher revealed that he had been diagnosed with leukoplakia, a condition often associated with smoking, which causes thick, white patches in the mouth and throat. Toucher, who had been a longtime smoker, stated that he has now quit smoking.
However, it was noted that his co-host, Rich Shertenlieb, was not present on the show. There was no immediate information available regarding the reason for his absence, as Shertenlieb did not respond to inquiries. The "Toucher and Rich" show has consistently achieved high ratings, with the most recent Nielsen Audio ratings reflecting a significant 25.6 share.
Where Has Fred Toucher Been?
Fred Toucher, the co-host of the Toucher & Rich radio program, has been on an extended leave of absence from the show. The reason for his absence was announced after a concerning discovery during his recent doctor's appointment regarding his ongoing throat issue. The specific details of the concern have not been disclosed.
Fred has been experiencing voice-related problems for several months, despite consulting multiple doctors who initially dismissed his concerns. However, a listener played a crucial role by introducing him to a doctor they knew. During the examination, Fred received unsettling news, but the physician reassured him that the situation was treatable. Fred credits the listener with potentially saving his life by facilitating this important appointment.
Since launching their radio program on WBCN in Boston in 2006, Fred and his co-host Rich Shertenlieb have garnered a dedicated following due to their chemistry and entertaining style. After WBCN ceased operations, the show moved to 98.5 The Sports Hub in 2009. Toucher & Rich has since become one of the most popular radio programs in New England.
What Happened to Fred Toucher - FAQs
Fred Toucher, also known as Fred Toettcher, is a sports radio talk show host on WBZ-FM in Boston. He co-hosts the popular "Toucher and Rich" show.
Fred Toucher has been on an extended leave of absence from the "Toucher and Rich" show due to a concerning discovery during a doctor's appointment regarding his throat issue. The specific details have not been disclosed.
Fred Toucher has been seeking treatment and medical assistance for his throat issue, focusing on addressing the concerns related to his health.
The exact nature of Fred Toucher's throat issue has not been revealed. However, it has been stated that it has affected his voice and required medical attention.
Fred Toucher has been on leave for an extended period, but the exact duration has not been specified.