Steve Wright’s death has been said to have been “very sudden” and “a shock” to his colleagues and bosses, despite their knowledge of an ongoing health battle.
The news of his death was announced yesterday which was immediately followed by a flurry of tributes from his dear friends and colleagues.
His family shared a statement about his death and 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."
Steve Wright has been part of the BBC since the 70s
BBC/GETTY
It has now been claimed that Wright had spoken to his bosses in the last couple of days about his health and how he had been struggling.
One BBC source said: “Steve had been talking to Radio 2 bosses just two or three days ago. We were aware he was struggling with his health a bit but nothing that seemed this serious.
"It has come as a huge shock. Nobody can believe it. He was engaging with his colleagues so recently. It doesn't seem at all real,” they told the Daily Mail.
There has been no cause of death revealed as of yet.
Wright has been a disc jokey for the BBC since 1976 and presented the Afternoon show for 12 years on Radio 1, and a further 23 years on Radio 2.
Steve Wright's death came as a shock to everyone
BBC
His last show on Sunday, February 10, was a pre-recorded Valentine’s Day special of his Love Songs programme.
The BBC legend shared his favourite romantic tunes before signing off and telling his listeners: “I’ll be back for more love songs next Sunday. Ta-ta then.”
His friends and colleagues were shocked by the news of his death, with Jo Wiley expressing how “strange” it felt to be doing a tribute show to Wright despite only seeing him a few days before.
"(This is) a very strange show to be doing," she said. “It's extremely hard to know what to say and to be talking about someone that you saw only days ago in this very studio where I am right now - doing a tribute show to that person just does not feel right."
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Steve Wright's family issued a statement on his death
BBC
Long-time friend and BBC colleague Ken Bruce explained he was “totally shocked” by the news and revealed they were planning to celebrate Wright’s "richly deserved" MBE with a lunch in the near future.
"An outstanding and innovative broadcaster whose listeners loved him. What a loss to the world of radio," he added.
Sara Cox said: “It's really hard to know what to say about the news of Steve Wright's passing, except we are all shocked and devastated and blindsided by this news.
"Steve was an extraordinary broadcaster, a really kind person, he was witty, he was warm, and he was a huge, huge part of the Radio 2 family, and I know my fellow DJs will all be absolutely shattered too."