Tributes paid to BBC Radio 2 and Virgin Radio presenter Pete Mitchell, 61, who has died after collapsing near his home in Stockport
Former BBC Radio 2 presenter Pete Mitchell has died suddenly at the age of 61 after collapsing near his home.
News of the Manchester-born BBC and Virgin Radio presenter’s death was announced today by a family friend.
The friend, Jo Houlcroft, said in a statement that his wife Helen and two grown-up sons Adam and Sean are ‘devasted’ by their loss.
‘It is with incredible sadness that I have to report the sad passing of Virgin Radio presenter, Pete Mitchell, who died very suddenly on Thursday 12th March aged 61,’ she told the Mirror.
‘Pete collapsed whilst out walking near his home in Stockport, the cause of his death is still unknown but he was not thought to be displaying any signs of illness.’
‘Pete was a veteran broadcaster, whose career in radio spanned thirty four years.’
Tributes immediately poured in from former colleagues of Mr Mitchell, as well as from BBC Radio 2.
A statement from the station on Twitter said: ‘We are saddened to hear of the passing of the much respected music radio presenter Pete Mitchell, who has worked on both BBC Radio 2 and 6 Music. Our thoughts today are with Pete’s friends and family.’
BBC Radio 6 Music presenter Chris Hawkins said in a tweet: ‘Pete Mitchell was not only a brilliant and passionate DJ but he was a really honest bloke and a lovely, supportive person. He will be missed by so many.’
More to follow.