BBC Radio Cumbria presenter Simon Yaxley has been found dead at his home in Carlisle on Wednesday afternoon.
Tributes have been paid by his friends and colleagues in the industry and on-air at Radio Cumbria.
Simon was also well know in the theatre industry and enjoyed performing on stage.
The 53-year-old had worked for the BBC for the last five years after a career in commercial radio. That included working at Lakeland Radio in Kendal before it was bought by Global and rebranded as Smooth Radio.
A BBC spokesperson said: “Our thoughts and condolences are with Simon’s family and friends. We understand this will be very difficult time for them, so we won’t be commenting any further at this time.”
The BBC Radio Cumbria presenter Simon Yaxley has died. @RadioYakkers was found at his home in Carlisle yesterday afternoon.
He had been a BBC presenter for the past 5 years, and also worked for commercial radio in Cumbria
Our condolences go to his family, friends and listeners. pic.twitter.com/l62lHZmsor— BBC Radio Cumbria (@BBC_Cumbria) December 22, 2022
Having to face the genuinely heartbreaking news of Simon Yaxley’s passing this morning.
— Walson Smith Hordiness (@WHordiness) December 22, 2022
Really sad news this morning, the world has lost a top bloke
RIP @RadioYakkers (Simon Yaxley)
No doubt about it Simon was one of the best presenters at Lakeland Radio and latterly at @BBC_Cumbria . A very bubbly, friendly bloke and a fantastic actor too.
Good night Yakkers
— Steve Ferguson (@Stevenferguson7) December 22, 2022
Very sad and shocked to hear that my friend and colleague Simon Yaxley has died. He was a kind man who loved radio. My thoughts are with all who knew him. https://t.co/YipuOaPa17
— Katy Booth (@katybooth) December 22, 2022
Simon Yaxley, a producer and presenter for BBC Radio Cumbria who was referred to as “radio through and through,” has passed away. Let’s see, how did BBC Radio Cumbria presenter die and Simon Yaxley cause of death in detail.#SimonYaxley
See morehttps://t.co/mcqUX2F6o5 pic.twitter.com/UtWF2ciElN
— Medico topics (@MedicoTopics) December 22, 2022
@BBC_Cumbria Shocked and saddened at the loss of a great person #SimonYaxley never met him but to me he was Mr Radio. He had a voice that would make you smile and brighten up even the dullest days. He may be gone but certainly never forgotten
— Paul’s Agenda (@pauls_agenda) December 22, 2022
Cannot believe that Simon Yaxley is gone
Absolutely made my work experience at Lakeland Radio one of the best I’ve done.
Rest easy Simon
— Thomas
(@techie_kidd) December 22, 2022
Garstang Musical Productions are saddened to hear the news that Simon Yaxley known to all our members and audiences as “Yakkers”, sadly passed away on Wednesday 21st December 2022. Simon was a true gent, incredible performer and invaluable member of GMP. Good Night Yakkers
pic.twitter.com/NAA4bEcQSI
— Garstang Musical Productions (@GarstangMusical) December 22, 2022
@BBC_Cumbria Hi Mike just heard sad news about Simon Yaxley condolences from Crowborough in Eastern Sussex loved listening to Simon’s very warm approach to broadcasting. Simon Blythe.
— Simon Blythe (@SimonBlythe7) December 22, 2022
This story first appeared on radiotoday.co.uk