Ex-DJ found dead

Former 5FM rock DJ Phil Wright has been found dead in his home.

Social networking sites were flooded with several reports this morning that Wright had reportedly died of natural causes, Times Live reported.

Marq Vas’s South African Music Collectibles posted: “It’s with utmost deepest regret that within the last hour I have been informed of the passing of my ‘brother’ Phil Wright, (who) was found dead in his home this morning, from what we believe at this point in time natural causes … Words fail me … RIP my brother!”

According to his online biography, Wright was best known for his ground-breaking work on radio, starting out at as a sound engineer for Radio RSA, moving up the ranks to become a presenter and producer for Capitol Radio.

His most famous gig was as a presenter on Radio 5 and later 5FM, where he hosted several shows, working alongside DJs such as Alex Jay, Ian F, Derek Richardson and Barney Simon, who gave him the famed nickname “Metalhead”.

Wright was also a familiar voice-over artist for the SABC3 lifestyle show Top Billing.

Messages of remembrance for Wright have been pouring in across the music industry.

– Channel24