Tributes are paid to BBC Radio 2 and Virgin Radio presenter Pete Mitchell who has died suddenly, aged 61, after collapsing near his home in Stockport
- News of the presenter’s death was announced by family friend Jo Houlcroft
- Mitchell died while walking near his home and was not known to be ill
- BBC Radio 2 released statement reporting their ‘incredible sadness’ at his death
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 ‘devastated’ by their loss.
Former BBC Radio 2 presenter Pete Mitchell has died suddenly at the age of 61 after collapsing near his home
‘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 and fellow presenters Tim Cocker and Chris Hawkins
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.’
Virgin Radio, who Mr Mitchell also worked for, said: ‘We are deeply saddened to bring you the news that our beloved friend and colleague, Pete Mitchell, has passed away.’
Mr Mitchell was born in Manchester and worked at the city’s Piccadilly Radio.
He later worked at Key 103, Absolute Radio and Radio X before going on to work for BBC Radio 2 and 6 Music.
He also spent time at Virgin Radio, where he formed a double act with fellow presenter Geoff Lloyd.
Pete was born in Manchester, where he went on to land a job as a radio presenter on the city’s Piccadilly Radio.
He later worked on Key 103, Radio X and Absolute Radio, before landing his roles at Radio 2 and 6 Music.
His career began in 1986 as a sports commentator for Red Rose Radio in Lancashire. He then moved to Piccadilly Radio in 1989.
The broadcaster had also appeared on TV shows including Eggheads and Channel 4’s Top 100 Albums.