Tributes pour in for DJ Phil Wright

Cape Town - Friends and former colleagues of ex-5FM rock DJ Phil Wright have paid tribute to one of SA's most iconic voices.

The metalhead and Top Billing voice-over artist was found dead in his home on Tuesday, reportedly from natural causes.

No official report on his passing has been released yet, but Wright's former colleague Brian Oxley told 567 CapeTalk on Wednesday morning that paramedics said he slipped in the bathroom and broke his neck.

Oxley, a former colleague of Wright's at the then-Radio 5 told 567 CapeTalk: "The one I think of when I think of Phil is 'kind'. He was one of the kindest, most gentlest guys you'll ever meet."

'All-round great guy'

Oxley also praised Wright for his mentorship of young, aspirant broadcasters who were starting out in the industry. "He had time for them, he would coach them… He was just an all-round great guy," he said.

Former 5FM and SuperSport presenter Darren Scott was one of the first to break the news of Wright's death on Twitter:
 

So sad to hear of the passing of former Capital604 and 5FM colleague Phil Wright. A true rock 'n blues radio man and gentleman. #RIP Phil

— JustPlainDarren (@JustPlainTwit) February 26, 2013

Wright's former 5FM colleagues later took to Twitter to pay tribute to Wright:

Many yrs ago, angling for a compliment, I asked my wife who had the best voice on radio. She didn't hesitate. "It's Phil Wright," RIP Phil.

— Alex Jay (@AlexJayZA) February 27, 2013

Devastated to hear Of the passing of ex 5fm colleague Phil Wright. We worked closely for many years. He taught me a lot. RIP big guy

— sasha martinengo (@F1sasha) February 26, 2013

R.I.P Phil Wright. Your voice will be missed. twitter.com/IanFSA/status/…

— IanF (@IanFSA) February 27, 2013

Sad to hear about the passing of Phil Wright :( RIP

— Derek Richardson(@DerekRichardson) February 26, 2013

Phil Wright has passed away. one of the most generous radio mentors I have ever worked with.#RIPPhilWright @5fm

— Michelle Constant (@MichConstant) February 26, 2013

Afrikaans rock musician Karen Zoid also shared her memories of the late broadcaster:

RIP Phil Wright. Very sad news. I'll never forget how he took charge the day a snake was found in the trees at Oppikoppi. :,(

— karen zoid (@karenzoid) February 26, 2013

Fans have taken to social networks to express their gratitude to Wright for having been introduced to rock and metal music via his late-night radio shows.