Radio Icon Neil Rogers To Undergo Heart Surgery

PLANTATION (CBS4) - Former South Florida radio legend Neil Rogers will undergo open heart surgery this week in Plantation, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel is reporting.

Rogers, 68, has been suffering from several health ailments recently. His friend and attorney Norman Kent says the radio host suffered a stroke and heart attack in October and his condition has been declining since Thanksgiving.

Rogers will go under the knife on Friday at Westside Regional Hospital. The surgery to clear arterial blockages is considered "high risk" because of Rodgers' diabetes and previous strokes. His struggles with weight also make the procedure more complicated.

Kent says over the past few days, Rogers has been in and out of consciousness. The quick-mind and sharp tongue he is known for has been replaced with sometimes not knowing his surroundings and not recognizing visitors.

Rogers has no living immediate family. Kent has petitioned the court to appoint a legal guardian to tend to Rodgers' affairs and decisions.

Rogers has primarily lived in Toronto in recent years, but also owns a home in Plantation Acres.

The talk show host spent more than three decades on South Florida airwaves, starting at WJNO in Palm Beach. He has also been on WKAT, WNWS, WINZ, WIOD. He was most recently on AM 560 WQAM, before he retired in 2009.