'Legend' local radio DJ dies while presenting Suffolk morning show

25 October 2022, 06:14 | Updated: 25 October 2022, 10:16

A local radio DJ died whilst presenting his morning show.

Tim Gough, 55, was on air on GenX when the programme was cut mid-song at about 7.50am on Monday.

The music restarted a few minutes later, but the presenter did not return and the station later confirmed he had died.

Read more: 'World's a darker place': Will and Grace actor Leslie Jordan dies aged 67 after Los Angeles car crash

Read more: Gary Lineker in fresh row for defending eco activists and hitting back at Keir Starmer's 'arrogant' claim

"It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to inform you, our dear friend and breakfast host Tim Gough passed away this morning whilst presenting his programme," the station said in a tweet.

"Our love to his family, son, sister, brother and mum.

"Tim was doing what he loved.

"He was 55 years old. RIB buddy. x"

It is thought Mr Gough died from a heart attack, and was presenting his show from a studio at his home at the time.

Tributes for the host have flooded in since news of his passing was announced.

James Hazell, managing director of GenX Radio, said: "To know Tim personally, as I did very closely for over 30 years, was to know a warm, caring, fun guy who myself and my family loved dearly. We are heartbroken by the news."

Fellow presenter at the station, Mark Eley, said Tim was a "huge" talent who had taught him "so much".

Virgin Radio UK presenter Amy Voce said: "Absolutely gutted to hear this news about Tim. He was my first ever boss in radio at Leicester Sound when I was 18 and was SO wonderful.

"I have the happiest of memories & we always kept in touch & if it wasn't for him I might not be in radio..."

Gaynor Marshall, an executive producer for BBC radio, added: "Such sad news. When I was at Smooth Radio Nottingham he took me under his wing, super caring and all round lovely man. What an awful shock."

Read more: Putin's relatives 'fear for his health amid constant coughing and weight loss and fear elites will turn on him'

Read more: Rishi Sunak is the Tory party's last chance, says Andrew Marr

Friends have also posted tributes to social media, with one saying: "I've had the pleasure of knowing Tim for a good few years, I can only echo what so many are saying, what a lovely man.

"He'll be missed by many."

Another said Mr Gough was "one of the kindest people I knew" and said it was "a real privilege to have called him a good friend for over 20 years".

On Facebook, one radio listener said Mr Gough was a "local radio legend".

The DJ, born and raised in Suffolk, had worked in radio for over 25 years.