Joan From Ridgewood, Who called WFAN For Help, Has Died

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — A Ridgewood woman who dialed sports radio in an effort to get some household repairs has died, the station said on Thursday.

In early June, "Joan in Ridgewood" called an 888 number for WFAN Sports Radio because she needed help, she told them. She dialed numbers on an old landline, which didn't work well.

As it turned out, she wanted to fix three things in her house.

This year, the phone number for WFAN Sports Radio was switched to (888) 808-1019, retiring its old number.

"I'm not doing well, I need somebody over here, and I called this 888 number and somebody picked up," Joan told the station, according to video of the call.

When she called in, Joan reached Al Dukes, the show's producer and call screener. Despite explaining to the woman that it was a talk radio call, she insisted on being put through in hopes of finding someone who could help her.

Dukes then put her through to hosts Boomer Esiason, a retired NFL quarterback, and his on-air partner Gregg Giannotti.

"How do I call somebody on my remote?" she asked.

Dukes took Joan's info off-air and called Ridgewood Police, who then sent an officer to perform a wellness check, Giannotti and Dukes said in an update video.

According to an article on a sports media website, a police officer checked on Joan and helped her with her remote control, which had dead batteries. He picked up her recliner from the floor.

And police told the station Joan's son would be returning to the house soon.

This past Thursday, Aug. 1, the station posted, "We were devastated to learn that Joan, who provided this great WFAN moment, has passed away. She will be missed."

If you are concerned about someone, you can always ask the police to do a wellness check. The Ridgewood police can be reached at 201-652-3900.

Each county in New Jersey also has Adult Protective Services if you are concerned about someone.

For social services in New Jersey, you can call 211, and in an emergency, call 911.