Beloved Radio Personality Steve Wright Found Dead at Home, Police Rule Death as Non-Suspicious
Steve Wright, the renowned radio personality, was discovered deceased at his £2 million residence on Monday morning following an incident, according to MailOnline sources.
Emergency services swiftly responded to the scene in Marylebone, central London, after receiving a distress call at approximately 10 a.m. on February 12. Tragically, despite their efforts, Wright was pronounced dead at the location.
Law enforcement authorities have stated that the unexpected passing is not being treated as suspicious, and a report is being prepared for the coroner's office.
Wright, who entertained audiences on BBC Radio 1 and Radio 2 for over four decades, passed away at the age of 69.
A spokesperson from the London Ambulance Service conveyed to MailOnline: "We received reports of an incident on Monday, February 12, at 10:07 a.m. We dispatched multiple resources to the scene. Sadly, an individual was pronounced deceased at the location."
In poignant photographs shared online, Wright can be seen playfully posing and taking ironic selfies with a friend in New York shortly before his untimely demise.
Composer Anthony James, who sat beside the cherished BBC presenter in the snapshot, paid tribute to his dear friend, highlighting Wright's passion for life and radio. James disclosed that the photo was captured four weeks prior and may be the last image taken of Wright before his family announced his passing on Tuesday.
The news of Wright's death has evoked an outpouring of heartfelt messages from various stars, including Ken Bruce, Simon Mayo, Zoe Ball, and Vernon Kay.
Posting the image of himself with Wright on X (formerly Twitter), James expressed his grief, stating, "I can't sleep. I'm thinking of my dear friend Steve. We took this picture 4 weeks ago in New York. We were trying to do, as he put it, 'ironic selfies.' He had such a love of life and radio... He told me, 'AJ, the blond hair has to go!' I miss him. #RIPSteveWright"
Following the announcement of his passing, other notable figures turned to social media to pay tribute to the legendary DJ.
During her show, BBC Radio 2's Jo Whiley conveyed the difficulty of discussing someone she had seen mere days ago in the very studio where she was hosting a tribute show. She expressed the Radio 2 family's devastation, struggling to find words to speak about someone in the past tense when they wished they were still present.
Reacting to the news, Ken Bruce expressed total shock, revealing plans for a celebratory lunch to mark Wright's well-deserved MBE. Bruce described Wright as an exceptional and innovative broadcaster greatly adored by his listeners, emphasizing the profound loss experienced by the world of radio.
The passing of Steve Wright has left many in shock and devastation, leaving us at a loss for words. Presenter Sara Cox expressed the sentiment shared by all, highlighting Steve's exceptional talent as a broadcaster, his kindness, wit, and warm personality. He was truly an integral part of the Radio 2 family, and his fellow DJs are equally shattered by this news.
Steve Wright's impact was further honored by BBC's Russia editor, Steve Rosenberg, who paid tribute to the late Radio 2 DJ with a heartfelt piano rendition of his iconic afternoon theme tune. Rosenberg took to X to praise Steve's unparalleled talent as a DJ, describing him as simply brilliant and in a class of his own. As a tribute to Steve Wright, he played the beloved Steve Wright in the Afternoon theme.
Simon Mayo, speaking on Greatest Hits radio, couldn't contain his emotions as he remembered Steve as one of the true originals of music radio. Mayo cherished Steve's shows and acknowledged the thrill of being on the same radio stations as him. Steve Wright will be greatly missed.
Zoe Ball bid farewell to Steve by saying, "Rest well, you wonderful magic man," following his passing at the age of 69. In a post to X, she expressed her gratitude for Steve's friendship, inspiration, and his mastery of broadcasting. She emphasized his unwavering support, advice, love, and, most importantly, his ability to bring laughter into the lives of many. The void left by his absence is immeasurable. Ball concluded by expressing her love for him, calling him her friend and hero.
Dame Esther Rantzen, who had the privilege of being interviewed by Steve numerous times, described him as a unique broadcaster. She highlighted the special atmosphere he created, whether as an interviewer or as a listener, where people eagerly looked forward to joining his "club" every day. Rantzen emphasized the rarity of his talent, making it sound effortless. With frequent moments of humor, Steve left a significant void in the day for many who relied on his company. He will be sorely missed.
Matt Lucas referred to Steve Wright as the most brilliant radio broadcaster of them all, acknowledging his immense talent. In a post to X, the comedian expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to appear on Steve's show, always finding him gifted, natural, and engaging. The loss of Steve Wright is truly profound.
Steve Wright's radio career began in 1980 when he joined BBC Radio 1 to host a Saturday evening show. He then became the host of Steve Wright In The Afternoon a year later until 1993. Following that, he fronted the Radio 1 Breakfast show for a year until 1995. After a stint at commercial radio stations, he returned to BBC Radio 2 in 1996 to host Steve Wright's Saturday Show and Sunday Love Songs. In 1999, he recreated Steve Wright In The Afternoon, entertaining listeners on Radio 2 every weekday with celebrity interviews and engaging trivia in his Factoids segment, until stepping down in September 2022.
With a schedule shake-up, former BBC Radio 1 host Scott Mills took over the afternoon slot, continuing the legacy of Steve Wright's show.
Steve Wright, the iconic voice of BBC Radio 2's Sunday Love Songs and Pick of the Pops, sadly passed away on February 12, 2024, at the age of 69. His sudden passing shocked and saddened countless listeners who cherished his warm presence and witty humor on the airwaves for over four decades.
Wright's final broadcast was a pre-recorded Valentine's Day special of Love Songs, aired just two days before his passing. In his signature sign-off, he promised his listeners, "I'll be back for more love songs next Sunday, ta-da then." This poignant farewell unknowingly became a final goodbye, leaving a heavy heart within his loyal audience.
His family released a heartfelt statement, expressing their grief and acknowledging the vast impact he had on countless lives: "It is with deep sorrow and profound regret that we announce the passing of our beloved Steve Wright... [He leaves behind] 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."
While his family requests privacy during this difficult time, Wright's legacy will undoubtedly live on through the memories he created for his listeners. His warm voice, infectious laugh, and passion for music brought joy and companionship to countless homes across the UK.
Rest in peace, Steve Wright. Your voice will be deeply missed.
Comments
Post a Comment