Former WVON DJ Lucky Cordell, daughter injured in South Shore fire

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Former WVON DJ and radio executive Lucky Cordell and his daughter were rescued from a burning home Sunday night on the city's South Side, officials said.

The Chicago Fire Department responded to a home in the 7300 block of South Euclid about 7:30 p.m., Fire Media Affairs spokesman Jeff Lyle said. The report also said people were trapped inside.

Cordell, 86, and his 60-year-old daughter were rescued from the top floor of the house and taken to University of Chicago Medical Center, Lyle said. Both are in critical condition.

Now, the legendary Chicago radio DJ's friends and family are praying Cordell can pull through.

"Just what I heard, they was trapped. I guess if it hadn't bene for the good firemen they wouldn't have got him out of there," said Walter Evans, a high school friend.

"It was very heartbreaking to see it. It was very heartbreaking to see him come out on the stretcher," said Bishop Glenn Bibbs, a neighbor.

Cordell always put family first, but his efforts also went beyond family. He was a founder of Operation Bread Basket, which became Rainbow PUSH.

On Monday, Rev. Jesse Jackson said: "One of the most gifted radio personalities - one of the good guys. A community servant. Always there for Dr. King and issues of community justice."

Cordell had been featured on The HistoryMakers for his significant contributions to the African Americans in Chicago. Those who hold him dear commit to helping him through this recovery.

"Whatever happens to one, we all feel the pain from it. So we're suffering right along with him. Until he's better, we won't be better. We want to make sure he's OK," Bibbs said.

Both Cordell and his daughter remain in intensive care. Cordell's wife of more than 50 years was not in the home at the time of the fire. She lives at a nearby assisted living facility.

The Chicago Fire Dept. said the fire was caused by the misuse of smoking material, and there were no working smoke detectors in the home.