South African veteran rock DJ Phil Wright was found dead in his Johannesburg home, a friend and former colleague confirmed on Wednesday.
"He has definitely passed on," Leon Economides said.
He said Wright, 55, was last seen by friends on Sunday. He felt poorly and went home.
Economides said these friends tried to contact Wright on Monday but could not get hold of him, so they went to his house on Tuesday, where they heard his dog barking inside.
"They managed to break through the kitchen door and found him in the bathroom."
He said an autopsy still needed to be performed, but it was thought he died due to a heart attack.
"What a loss," Economides said.
"He was just the most amazing person, a very simple, down-to-earth kind of guy... one of the biggest in SA radio."
Wright's death featured prominently on social media sites on Wednesday.
Marq Vas's Southern African Music Collectibles' posted on Facebook: "It's with utmost deepest regret that within the last hour I have been informed of the passing of my “brother” PHIL WRIGHT -- Phil was found dead in his home this morning, from what we believe at this point in time – from natural causes… Words fail me...RIP MY BROTHER!"
Oppikoppi Festival posted the following on its Facebook wall: "Oppikoppi legend Phil Wright has crossed over to the larger herd. We will meet you there Phil, and watch out for the snakes so long."
On Twitter veteran DJ Alex Jay also paid his respects.
"Many yrs (years) ago, angling for a compliment, I asked my wife who had the best voice on radio. She didn't hesitate. 'It's Phil Wright' RIP Phil."
Talk radio 702 host Ray White tweeted: "Fond memories of Phil Wright during my days on 5fm. So sorry to hear the news this morning..."
Fellow 702 host David O'Sullivan also tweeted about Wright's death.
"Sad news that my old Capital Radio colleague Phil Wright has died. He was a complete pro. RIP."
Source : Sapa /mv/ks/dd
Date : 27 Feb 2013 14:35
"He has definitely passed on," Leon Economides said.
He said Wright, 55, was last seen by friends on Sunday. He felt poorly and went home.
Economides said these friends tried to contact Wright on Monday but could not get hold of him, so they went to his house on Tuesday, where they heard his dog barking inside.
"They managed to break through the kitchen door and found him in the bathroom."
He said an autopsy still needed to be performed, but it was thought he died due to a heart attack.
"What a loss," Economides said.
"He was just the most amazing person, a very simple, down-to-earth kind of guy... one of the biggest in SA radio."
Wright's death featured prominently on social media sites on Wednesday.
Marq Vas's Southern African Music Collectibles' posted on Facebook: "It's with utmost deepest regret that within the last hour I have been informed of the passing of my “brother” PHIL WRIGHT -- Phil was found dead in his home this morning, from what we believe at this point in time – from natural causes… Words fail me...RIP MY BROTHER!"
Oppikoppi Festival posted the following on its Facebook wall: "Oppikoppi legend Phil Wright has crossed over to the larger herd. We will meet you there Phil, and watch out for the snakes so long."
On Twitter veteran DJ Alex Jay also paid his respects.
"Many yrs (years) ago, angling for a compliment, I asked my wife who had the best voice on radio. She didn't hesitate. 'It's Phil Wright' RIP Phil."
Talk radio 702 host Ray White tweeted: "Fond memories of Phil Wright during my days on 5fm. So sorry to hear the news this morning..."
Fellow 702 host David O'Sullivan also tweeted about Wright's death.
"Sad news that my old Capital Radio colleague Phil Wright has died. He was a complete pro. RIP."
Source : Sapa /mv/ks/dd
Date : 27 Feb 2013 14:35
