HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) — Jay Allen Swieringa loved working with a microphone. His dream job, finally realized last March, put him in Detroit’s Comerica Park, calling Tiger games.
The first day of his job there, he got the worst news of his life: bile-duct cancer. Jay Allen — his on-air name — went public with the news pretty quickly. Far-flung family, friends, fans and other supporters used social media to cheer him on during treatment, posting funny stories, memories and photos.
He made it through the season while under treatment.
Early Friday, Jan. 24, 2020, he died, surrounded by family and friends. His family announced the news with a Facebook note that read:
“It is with a broken heart that I would like to share that Jay passed away at about 7:55am. It was peaceful and he was surrounded by all of his family and some of our friends. We need to wrap our heads around this today but we will share the details as they come.
We love you!The Swieringa Family “
WOOD TV‘s story on his life noted he achieved his announcing dream, despite a few challenges. He honed his skills behind the mic calling Grand Rapids games for Hoops, Whitecaps, and the Rampage. He also sold cars for a living, until hearing about the Tigers opening — a longshot, but he took it. And they hired him.
Funeral arrangements are pending, but a GoFundMe set up last year has raised nearly $11,000, with a goal of $50,000, to help the family with medical bills.
