Steve Wright ‘didn’t have medical problems’ says pal as brother blames lifestyle
Steve Wright's friend has said the BBC Radio 2 DJ "didn't have any medical problems" as his brother claims he died due to lifestyle choices.
The legendary radio host suddenly died at his London home on Monday aged 69. It is not yet understood how Steve died, but pals have claimed it was "due to a broken heart" following his BBC Radio 2 afternoon slot being axed in 2022. Steve's brother Laurence has since hit out at the suggestion, saying it wasn't the case at all.
"He was aware that he could have looked after himself better, in his lifestyle choices. Obviously we all wish he had," Laurence said. Police have said Steve's death is being treated as "unexpected" but "not suspicious". His friend of 40 years Gary Farrow has shared how Steve was "devastated" to lose his radio show after 23 years.
Steve suddenly died aged 69 on Monday (REX/Shutterstock)
His friend and brother have opened up on his lifestyle choices (Nils Jorgensen/REX/Shutterstock)He explained that he didn't know Steve had any real medical problems to speak of, but did enjoy eating fast food. Speaking to The Sun, Gary said: "From what I know, he didn’t have any real medical problems - he was always taking vitamins and popping pills. Sure, he didn't really eat broccoli and he liked McDonald's, but he was such a character, the likes of which I don’t think we will see again."
Brother Laurence told MailOnline: "It's like anyone who doesn't look after themselves over an extended period. The normal stuff - diet, nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress - he was a very stoic kind of guy as well so if he had something wrong with him and he had to go to have some treatment or go to the doctors, he wouldn't talk about it."
Radio 2 listening figures plunge as fans snub station after veteran DJs dumped
Laurence has also said that Steve found losing his BBC Radio 2 show "unfair" but he "needed rest". Officers and paramedics showed up at a flat in central London's Marylebone neighbourhood on Monday morning, with Steve's death later announced the next day. A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police revealed on Wednesday night : "The death was unexpected, but is not being treated as suspicious. A report will be prepared for the coroner."
Tributes soon flooded in for the legendary radio presenter from his BBC colleagues to close friends and adoring listeners. Steve held his much-loved BBC Radio 2 slot from 1999 until 2022 when it was taken over by Scott Mills. He hinted that it wasn't his decision to end the show, as following his death some friends have shared how the loss of his show "devastated" him.
Steve had reportedly spoken to BBC Radio bosses in recent days about his health. "Steve had been talking to Radio 2 bosses just two or three days ago," one BBC star claimed. They continued: "We were aware he was struggling with his health a bit but nothing that seemed this serious. It has come as a huge shock. Nobody can believe it. He was engaging with his colleagues so recently. It doesn't seem at all real," reports the Daily Mail.
He last appeared on air on Sunday for a pre-recorded Valentines Day special, just two days before his death was announced. He also recorded another show which is said to be "in the can" but won't be airing. Composer Anthony James took to social media to share a snap of Steve alongside a heartfelt tribute , which is believed to be the one of the last photos of Steve. The photo showed the two pals posing for a comical selfie which was taken in New York just four weeks before Steve's death.
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."
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