For nearly a quarter-century, Stephen Rice was a driving force in Austin’s gay community — high-energy, gregarious and always wearing a bright smile that he transmitted to listeners from behind his microphone on two local radio stations.

He helped lead and was deeply involved in organizations such as AIDS Services of Austin, the fundraiser Hill Country Ride for AIDS and Equality Texas, which promotes equal rights for the state’s gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community. He also was a familiar voice on Austin’s KUT 90.5 FM and KOOP FM.

"Stephen was everyone’s friend," said Eugene Sepulveda, an LGBT community leader and longtime friend of Rice’s. "He might have been the most radiant guy I can remember meeting. He was an entrepreneur, an advocate and an important community influencer."

Rice, 46, died early Sunday at an Austin hospital from complications after an ATV accident while vacationing in the mountains of Colorado about two weeks ago.

His husband, Mark Erwin, said the two had enjoyed an adventurous trip that included rafting and ziplining when the accident happened. Rice recovered enough to return to Austin and had enjoyed brunch with friends Saturday when he became ill and was rushed to the hospital.

Erwin said doctors found injuries that had not been identified at the time of the accident.

"Stephen was just a wonderfully loving person," he said through tears. "Whenever he saw someone with a challenge, he just wanted to be there for them. He was charming and funny and he always knew how to draw a crowd and be the enter of attention. He was just a sweet lovable guy."

Rice owned a downtown printing company for years, but several years ago, pursued a passion he’d had for years in radio.

"He loved that job," Erwin said. "It made him so happy, and when people would say they heard him on the radio, his face would just light up. He would smile ear to ear, and I think he just loved knowing that he could talk to people and connect with them."

"The one thing about Stephen is that you can always hear the smile in his voice," added Stewart Vanderwilt, KUT’s general manager. "He was so engaged and so committed to what we do in bringing people into the experience. We are shocked and don’t even know how to process it. We are devastated."

Rice also hosted and produced a show called "Outcast" on KOOP-FM that examined issues facing the city’s gay community.

"He was an amazing community leader and friend," said District 6 Austin City Council Member Jimmy Flannigan. "His vision and hard work on KOOP ‘OutCast’ gave a voice to many in the LGBTQ community, including myself on more than one occasion. My heart and prayers go out to his husband Mark Erwin."

Rice was a native of Tyler but moved to Austin in 1992.

Rice and Erwin were twice named to the Statesman’s "Fortunate 500" list and in 2008 they were named "Best AIDS Fundraising Couple" in the Austin Chronicle’s "Best of Austin Awards," according to Rice’s online biography.