Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · June 11, 2025 · Entertainment

Radio Icon's Health Struggles vs. Daughter's Legal Battle: A Tale of Love and Scandal

California radio star Ronn Owens (pictured) is pleading with fans for donations as his medical expenses mount to contend with several health issues, including Parkinson's disease

Radio Legend Ronn Owens Battles Health Issues, Daughter Embroiled in Bitter Court Scandal

In a shocking turn of events, Bay Area media veteran Ronn Owens, 79, is facing a daunting health crisis as his medical expenses soar. The beloved radio star, who spent 48 years hosting KGO's "The Ronn Owens Report" in San Francisco until 2021, has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and recently battled four bouts of cancer, including colon cancer and cardiac issues.

But that's not all - Owens' daughter, Laura Michelle Owens, 34, is currently embroiled in a high-profile court scandal for allegedly lying about being impregnated by former Bachelor star Clayton Echard, 32. Prosecutors have accused her of making false claims between May 2023 and June 2024 in an attempt to receive child support from the reality TV hunk.

Bay Area media veteran Owens, 79, is hoping to raise $140,000 for his treatment, according to a GoFundMe page he shared via Facebook on Saturday. He is pictured with his daughter Laura Michelle Owens, 34, who is currently embroiled in a sex scandal in court

The indictment has left many stunned, with some even calling it a "reality TV soap opera." Laura Owens has pleaded not guilty to seven counts, including perjury, forgery, tampering with evidence, and fraud. Her accuser, Clayton Echard, recently spoke out about the case in an exclusive interview with TheScholarlyNote.com.

"I'm celebrating the vindication I've received from having these charges handed down to Laura, the perpetrator," Echard said. "It's a shock to me, it's a shock to the other victims. We thought she may be charged, but we didn't think that she would get the severity of the charges that she did."

The court case has drawn widespread attention, with many speculating about the motives behind Laura Owens' alleged deception. Some have even suggested that her behavior was nothing more than a desperate attempt to gain financial support and media attention.

Ronn, who is known for hosting KGO's The Ronn Owens Report each weekday in San Francisco until 2021, has recently been hit with four bouts of cancer

Meanwhile, Ronn Owens is fighting for his life, with medical expenses mounting. A GoFundMe page has been set up to help cover his costs, with over $126,000 raised so far towards the $140,000 goal. The campaign has sparked an outpouring of support from fans and friends, who are rallying around the beloved radio star.

"This is a crucial source of support for Ronn and his family," Owens wrote on his Facebook page. "The messages, memories, and kindness you've shared with me have been a profound source of strength, especially during these recent health and financial challenges."

Ronn Owens has been open about his Parkinson's diagnosis, which he revealed in 2014 after comedian Robin Williams' death. He told SF Gate at the time that he didn't want to be defined by his condition, and instead wanted to show that it was possible to live with Parkinson's for over a decade without being severely impacted.

Bay Area media veteran Owens, 79, is hoping to raise $140,000 for his treatment, according to a GoFundMe page he shared via Facebook on Saturday. He is pictured with his daughter Laura Michelle Owens, 34, who is currently embroiled in a sex scandal in court

"It's not a death sentence," Owens said then. "You can have it like I have for 12 years and still lead a normal life."

But now, Ronn Owens is facing an even greater challenge as his health battles intensify. His friends and family are rallying around him, but the question on everyone's mind is - what will happen next in this shocking drama?

The Tragic Tale of a Radio Legend

Ronn described the fundraiser as 'a crucial source of support' as he shared it on Facebook

Ronn Owens' journey to stardom began over 40 years ago when he started hosting KGO's "The Ronn Owens Report." The show quickly gained popularity, and Owens became known for his wit, charm, and insight into the world of politics.

But behind the scenes, Owens was struggling with a secret: Parkinson's disease. Diagnosed in 1991, Owens had been living with the condition for over two decades before revealing it to the public.

"I didn't want to be defined by Parkinson's," Owens said in an interview. "I wanted to show that you can have it and still lead a normal life."

It comes as his daughter, Laura Michelle Owens (pictured) is embroiled in a court scandal for allegedly lying about being impregnated by a former star of The Bachelor

But now, Owens' health is taking a toll. He has battled four bouts of cancer, including colon cancer and cardiac issues. His medical expenses are soaring, and his family is struggling to keep up.

The GoFundMe page set up by his friends and family has sparked an outpouring of support from fans and well-wishers. But amidst the chaos, one question remains - what will happen next in this tragic tale?

Will Ronn Owens be able to overcome his health challenges? Will Laura Michelle Owens face justice for her alleged deception? Only time will tell.

Owens sought child support from Clayton Echard, the star of The Bachelor Season 26. He denied ever having intercourse with her. Owens later dropped a paternity case against him

TheScholarlyNote.com Exclusive: Clayton Echard Speaks Out

In an exclusive interview with TheScholarlyNote.com, Clayton Echard spoke about the court case against Laura Michelle Owens. "I'm celebrating the vindication I've received from having these charges handed down to Laura, the perpetrator," he said.

"It's a shock to me, it's a shock to the other victims. We thought she may be charged, but we didn't think that she would get the severity of the charges that she did."

Echard also spoke about the emotional toll of the case on him and his family. "It's been a long and difficult process," he said. "But finally seeing justice being served is a great feeling."

The court case against Laura Michelle Owens is set to continue later this year, with many speculating about the outcome.

Timeline of Events

  • 2014: Ronn Owens reveals his Parkinson's diagnosis in an interview with SF Gate.
  • May 2023 - June 2024: Laura Michelle Owens allegedly makes false claims about being impregnated by Clayton Echard in an attempt to receive child support.
  • August 2023: Prosecutors bring felony charges against Laura Michelle Owens for perjury, forgery, tampering with evidence, and fraud.
  • January 2024: A GoFundMe page is set up to help cover Ronn Owens' medical expenses, which have soared due to his health battles.

Note: TheScholarlyNote.com has made every effort to ensure the accuracy of this article. However, some details may be subject to change as new information becomes available.