Radio host dies of heart attack on air, ‘doing what he loved most,’ UK station says
A British radio host and “local radio legend” died on-air, leaving many fans shocked and mourning.
Tim Gough, 55, was at home hosting his breakfast show for GenX Radio Suffolk in the U.K. when he suffered a suspected heart attack at 7:50 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 24, the radio station told BBC and NBC News.
The station’s music stopped suddenly and began a few minutes later, BBC reported.
GenX Radio Suffolk announced Gough’s death, sharing the news with “the heaviest of hearts.”
Gough — a “local radio legend,” according to one mourner and fan — spent more than 25 years on-air, according to his biography on the station’s website. He began his career at Radio Orwell in 1986 before hosting shows on Saxon Radio, SGR-FM, and Smooth Radio, among others. Gough stepped away from radio hosting for 10 years before returning to GenX Radio Suffolk’s breakfast show.
The founder of GenX Radio Suffolk, James Hazell, told BBC that “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.”
Hazell also said that continuing to build the station would be “Tim’s Legacy,” according to a tweet.
Another of Gough’s coworkers, Mark Eley, said on Facebook that Gough died “doing what he loved most. Tim leaves behind a huge hole which is impossible to fill and we are all in shock.”
“In the short time I have known (Gough), it is clear to see his talent and passion for radio and the knowledge and support that he has shown to others is huge,” Eley said. “I have (learned) so much from Tim.”
Gough was born in Suffolk and loved traveling, reading, and trying to solve the daily Wordle puzzles, according to the station’s biography. His favorite activity was long walks with his Labrador through Suffolk.
Suffolk is about 75 miles northeast of London.
