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Doug McConnell, Longtime ‘Bay Area Backroads’ and ‘OpenRoad’ Host, Dies at 80

His longtime team will launch the 12th season this weekend to carry forward his approach to exploring public lands.

Overview

  • His death on Tuesday, Jan. 13, was announced on the OpenRoad With Doug McConnell Facebook page, which said he peacefully passed.
  • Marin County’s chief deputy coroner said he died of natural causes in San Geronimo.
  • He became a regional fixture hosting KRON-TV’s Bay Area Backroads for 23 years before creating OpenRoad, which aired on KQED and later on NBC Bay Area.
  • The 12th season of OpenRoad is scheduled to premiere Saturday at 4:30 p.m., with longtime collaborators continuing the program.
  • Beyond television, he advocated for conservation and served on boards, earning honors from groups including California State Parks and the National Park Service.