15 February 2024 , 10:08
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One of the last photos of beloved Radio 2 DJ Steve Wright has emerged following his tragic death at 69.
The BBC Radio legend's shock death was announced earlier this week and tributes have been flooding in for the star from his shocked co-stars and bereft listeners. Following the news, his friend composer Anthony James took to social media to share a snap of Steve alongside a heartfelt tribute. The photo showed the two pals posing for a comical selfie which was taken just four weeks before Steve's death.
The friends had met up with each other in New York and is believed to be the last photo taken of Steve. A heartbroken Anthony shared: "I can't sleep. I'm thinking of my dear friend Steve. We took this picture 4 weeks ago in New York. We were trying to do, as he put it 'ironic selfies'. He had such a love of Life and radio. .He told me 'AJ the blond hair has to go!' I miss him #RIPSteveWright."
Steve met up with his friend Anthony James just four weeks ago in New York, where he posed for a selfie (@AJMusicProds / X)Steve's sudden death is being treated as 'unexpected', but not suspicious, according to the police. Emergency services were rushed to the BBC Radio DJ's home in Marylebone, London on Monday, just after 10am where Steve was pronounced dead at the scene. A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said: "A man in his 60s was pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin have been informed."
"The death was unexpected, but is not being treated as suspicious. A report will be prepared for the coroner." they added. London Ambulance Service confirmed they were called to the address following "reports of an incident". Steve's family announced his death in a heartbreaking statement.
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It read: "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's radio colleagues paid tribute as Nicki Chapman broke down in tears as she read out listener messages to the late star live on Radio 2. She said: "It is so difficult to sum up what Steve meant to all of us. The devastatingly sad news has come as a complete shock. Everyone seems to have such fond memories of our Wrighty because that's how we viewed and that's how we listened to him. He was ours. He was our mate, talking to us in our kitchens as we made a brew, in our bedrooms, in the shower, in our cars, taxis, lorries, in our form rooms at school, in our gardens, at work - he was always in our hearts."
Vernon Kay also paid tribute to Steve on his show, saying he wanted to have a "smile" throughout to remember his late colleague. Yet it all became too much as the BBC orchestra paid a special tribute to Steve by performing his iconic theme tune. Vernon broke down, leaving co-star Jeremy Vine to step in.