INDIANAPOLIS — The music community is mourning the loss of a beloved local DJ, manager and promoter.
Ron Miner, better known as “DJ Indiana Jones,” died Friday at the age of 50 from a heart attack, according to close friends and family.
Miner grew up on the west side of Indianapolis and attended Ben Davis High School. He first started to DJ as a teen at his family’s roller rink in the 1980s. He fell in love with hip-hop at a young age.
He was a friendly voice on the airwaves for decades, most recently co-hosting nights on Radio Now 100.9. He was one of the original air personalities and DJ’s for Radio Now. He mixed on Hot 96.3 for more than 20 years.
Besides being a DJ, Miner also owned the Casba Bar in Broad Ripple, where he would host the famous “Reggae Sundays.”
His family said they are humbled by the outpouring of love and support they have received.
“He did things his way. He did not make a lot of money, but he loved the culture and wherever he went, he was respected,” said his younger brother Jeffery Miner. “He touched a lot of people. Ron Miner was Ron Miner. There was no way to imitate or duplicate him.”
Miner’s outgoing personality allowed him to make friends wherever he went. Longtime friend Kyle Kinnett knew Miner since they were 13 years old. They were roommates during their first year of college.
“Just an amazing person. I got to experience a lot of life with him on a lot of different levels, friends, the hip-hop community, the corporate community, traveling, Colts tailgates," Kinnett said.
Kinnett would often have Miner DJ at the Indianapolis Colts VIP Tailgate parties hosted by his company, Bullseye Event Group.
“Really didn’t matter what people thought of him. He believed in what he was doing. Believed in doing right and living life to the fullest,” Kinnett said.
DJ Gabby Love, Miner’s co-host on Radio Now, says she is devastated by the news. She and Miner were married for some time before divorcing. They had remained close.
“It is impossible to put into words how immense this loss is to the family and so many. He is truly such a big part of so many and this city's hearts. What is not impossible to say is the love he so openly shared with so many will truly live on forever, and his larger-than-life spirit will never leave us,” she said.
Miner also mentored young DJs to help them learn the craft. One of his mentees, DJ Parkour Tortoise, posted on Instagram, “My heart is breaking today to hear the news of my mentor, coach and friend.”
Radio One Regional Vice President Deon Levingston released the following statement:
"The sudden passing of Ron Miner, known as DJ Indiana Jones, has deeply shocked and saddened us. Indiana Jones has been a household name in the Indianapolis DJ community for over three decades and most recently was co-hosting nights on Radio Now 100.9. Jones was one of the original air personalities and DJ’s for Radio Now and has mixed on Hot 96.3 for over 20 years. He was taken away from us too soon and will be missed by all of us at Radio One Indianapolis and the entire Urban One family. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Ron’s family and friends."
Saturday night, several Indy radio stations paid tribute to Miner and the legacy he leaves behind.