Friends "devastated" over Dark Star's death

MINNETONKA, Minn. - Most people probably did not know George Chapple, but if you listened to local radio you knew his alter-ego, Dark Star.

Star was found dead in his apartment late Friday afternoon, which left his fans and friends alike stunned.

"I love him, I'm devastated, I so wish he was here," said Paul Allen, the radio voice of the Minnesota Vikings.

Allen showed up to Star's apartment building in hopes the news was somehow wrong.

"I can't believe the news and the way it all developed," said Allen as he broke down crying.

Allen said he knew something wasn't right when Star didn't show up for an appearance on KFAN radio.

"He didn't show up for the "Common Show" for the Common Man and that was his favorite time of the week and he didn't call," he said.

For 25 years, Star was best known for his nightly radio show on WCCO where he seemed to love his critics almost as much as his fans. He left 'CCO in 2010, but continued his other love, horse racing.

Randy Sampson owns Canterbury Downs, Star's second home. Star worked there since 1985, most recently as the host of the Race Replay Show.

His picture is seen in the Canterbury hallways, inducted in their hall of fame. But his presence will be missed most in the press box where his favorite seat sits empty.

"It's not going to be the same. We always talked about that was his living room up there and he talked about having to get his mail delivered there because he was in the press box more than he was at home," said Sampson.

Allen who has known Star since 1995 was the race announcer.

"Canterbury is so special to me and was so special to him that I can't believe when I go there tonight, he's not going to be sitting in that chair," he said.

While friends are coming to terms with the loss, they're wondering how Star died. Investigators have not released the cause of death, but they are not calling it suspicious.

"He's had his ups and downs in his health a little bit over the years, but it still comes as a surprise because we all saw him out here last Saturday," said Jon Mikkelson who worked with Star at Canterbury Downs.

Star, who had no formal training in broadcasting, practically willed his career to its well known heights. His friends say he did things his way, laughing and making jokes every step of the way.

"He wasn't afraid to be himself and do it the way he wanted to do it," said Allen.

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