Radio presenter Gary Wilkinson has died aged 50

Former Atlantic 252 radio presenter Gary Wilkinson has died at the age of 50 after a short illness.

Gary, who enjoyed most of his life in radio, also worked at Sun FM, Metro, TFM, Wyvern, Galaxy North East and Manchester, MFM, Real Radio, the BBC and more.

He used many different on-air names on many different stations in the UK and around the world, inlcuding Pizzaman on Atlantic 252 and Mojo/Nick Jordan on Galaxy.

He started his radio career at Wear FM in Sunderland in the mid-90s and later spent a year in Canada on CKNG Power 92 in Edmonton, Alberta and Power 107.

In more recent years he was freelancing at the BBC and working at local community and commercial radio stations around his native North East.

His voice was also on Merge 104.8 Muscat, All Oldies Radio, Holiday FM, Zetland FM, YO1 and Frisk Radio.

Gary’s cousin shared the sad new on Facebook on Sunday morning, saying: “Sadly late Friday night 28/10/2022 my fabulous cousin Gary Wilkinson passed away after a short illness.

“He was with family and will live on in our hearts and memories forever. Gary was my favourite cousin and a friend.

“It has come as a shock to us all. Please respect his family at this time xxxx.”

Frisk Radio posted this message on social media: “It is with great sadness that we confirm the passing of Frisk Radio presenter Nick Jordan (Gary Wilkinson).

“Gary was a highly-experienced and well-respected presenter at Frisk, and before joining the team, had worked for countless other North East and national radio stations.

“Gary passed away late on Friday night after a short illness. Our thoughts and deepest condolences to his family.”

Paul Goff tweeted: “Sad to hear of the loss re the lovely Gary Wilkinson today. I shared some great nights with him through the years & we talked so much about radio. Gary assembled a fabulous cv via Atlantic 252, TFM, Galaxy & so many more. Rest in peace Gary”

Sam Zniber CEO of Musicdatak says: “Gary was such a young guy. I was so happy to get to hire him at Galaxy 102. His spirit will always be there with me.”