The death of DJ Steve Wright was announced by the BBC yesterday afternoon (February 13) – and now the London Ambulance Service has issued a statement.
Yesterday, in a statement shared on the BBC website, the corporation revealed that the veteran DJ had passed away at the age of 69 on Monday. His family also paid tribute in a heartbreaking statement.
His family said: “It is with deep sorrow and profound regret that we announce the passing of our beloved Steve Wright.
“In addition to his son, Tom, and daughter, Lucy, Steve leaves behind his brother, Laurence and his father Richard. Also, much-loved close friends and colleagues, and millions of devoted radio listeners who had the good fortune and great pleasure of allowing Steve into their daily lives as one of the UK’s most enduring and popular radio personalities.
“As we all grieve, the family requests privacy at this immensely difficult time.”
Ambulance called after ‘incident’ at home of Steve Wright
This afternoon (February 14), the Daily Mail has shared more details surrounding the much-loved DJ’s death.
In a statement from the London Ambulance Service, it was confirmed the DJ was sadly pronounced “dead at the scene”.
It read: “We were called at 10.07am on Monday 12 February to reports of an incident.
“We sent a number of resources to the scene,” it then continued. “Very sadly, a person was pronounced dead at the scene.”
Emergency services have said his death is not being treated as suspicious. A report is being prepared for the coroner. No cause of death has yet been given.
Death of Steve Wright: Tim Davie pays tribute
Tim Davie, BBC Director General, said: “All of us at the BBC are heartbroken to hear this terribly sad news. Steve was a truly wonderful broadcaster who has been a huge part of so many of our lives over many decades.
“He was the ultimate professional. Passionate about the craft of radio and deeply in touch with his listeners. This was deservedly recognised in the New Year Honours list with his MBE for services to radio. No one had more energy to deliver shows that put a smile on audiences’ faces,” Tim then continued.
“They loved him deeply. We are thinking of Steve and his family and will miss him terribly,” he then concluded.
We’re incredibly saddened to announce that our friend and colleague Steve Wright MBE has passed away.
We’ll miss you greatly Steve. pic.twitter.com/m11mZc3XBy
— BBC Radio 2 (@BBCRadio2) February 13, 2024
‘We all loved him’
Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2, where Steve had an afternoon show, said: “Steve understood the connection and companionship that radio engenders better than anyone. And we all loved him for it.
“He was a consummate professional whose attention to detail was always second to none. He made his guests laugh, he was fair, and he wanted to showcase them and their work in the best possible light, bringing brilliant stories to our listeners,” she then added.
“Steve’s afternoon show was an institution that began on Radio 1 and later moved over to Radio 2 where it was broadcast for 23 years. He believed in the BBC passionately during his career that spanned for more than four decades. And he was always up for pursuing new ideas,” the statement then continued.
‘Joy’
“He brought joy to millions of listeners with his Sunday Love Songs as well as the legendary Pick of the Pops, which he took on last year and was having fun experimenting with, alongside a host of specials and new BBC Sounds formats which he loved doing.
“Steve was the first presenter I ever produced more than 20 years ago. I remember the pure amazement I felt, sitting opposite this legendary broadcaster whose shows I had listened to and marvelled at whilst growing up in Hull.
“For all of us at Radio 2, he was a wonderful colleague and a friend with his excellent sense of humour, generosity with his time, and endless wise words. We were lucky to have him with us for all these decades. And we will miss his talent and his friendship terribly,” the statement then concluded.
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