Sudden death of BBC Radio 2 DJ Steve Wright announced

July 9, 2024

The cause of death of Steve Wright has been announced.

The popular BBC radio presenter died suddenly in February at the age of 69, sparking tributes from the world of music and entertainment.

Although the cause was not disclosed at the time, his brother blamed the Radio 2 presenter’s “lifestyle choices”. Love songs on SundayWright was found dead by paramedics in his apartment in central London.

As has now been reported, Wright’s death certificate lists the cause of death as a perforated stomach ulcer and acute peritonitis, an infection of the peritoneal lining.

News of Wright’s death was first announced by a tearful Sara Cox on her Radio 2 show. She said: ‘It’s really hard to know what to say about Steve Wright’s death other than we are all absolutely devastated and shocked and have been completely blindsided by this news.

A statement from the Wright family said: “It is with deep sadness and sincere regret that we announce the passing of our beloved Steve Wright.

“Steve leaves behind his son Tom and daughter Lucy, his brother Laurence and his father Richard, as well as many beloved close friends and colleagues, and millions of loyal radio listeners who were lucky and had the great pleasure of including Steve in their daily lives as one of Britain’s most enduring and loved radio personalities.

Steve Wright died suddenly in February 2024 (BBC)

Wright joined the BBC as a staff member in the early 1970s before taking up a position at Thames Valley Radio in 1976. His big break came in 1979 when he got his own evening show on Radio Luxembourg.

In 1980 he returned to the BBC and took up a Saturday evening slot on Radio 1.

The show that would shape his career and last for over 35 years, Steve Wright in the afternoon, was launched in 1981. During the first version, which ran until 1993, he introduced the “Zoo” concept to British radio, which included parodies, comedy sketches and wacky segments.

After a brief guest appearance as host of Radio 1’s breakfast show, Wright moved to talk radio for two years. He returned to the BBC in 1996. Wright kept his afternoon show from 1999 until 2022.

Steve Wright's brother blamed — Steve Wright’s brother blamed “lifestyle choices” for DJ’s death (Getty Images)

The SJ continued to present Sunday love songs – even after he leaves the station in September 2022. Michael Ball has taken over as presenter since Wright’s death and described his predecessor’s legacy as “immeasurable”.

Wright was married to Cyndi Robinson until their divorce in 1999 and has two children.

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