BBC Radio Tees presenter Dave Llewellyn has died at the age of 57 following a brief illness, the broadcaster has confirmed.
The popular DJ, instantly recognisable by his striking red hair and larger-than-life character, served as the familiar voice delivering traffic and travel updates across the North East for more than two decades.
Mr Llewellyn launched his broadcasting career as the "eye in the sky", providing traffic reports from a light aircraft flying over Teesside.
A native of Fishburn in County Durham, he subsequently made his home in Yarm alongside his wife, Ange, and daughter, Amy.
We’re really sad to say that our brilliant colleague and friend, Dave Llewellyn, has passed away following a short illness.
— BBC Tees (@BBCTees) May 8, 2026
You may know Dave best as being the voice of traffic and travel in the region for more than 20 years, as well as co-presenting a popular gardening show on… pic.twitter.com/wgrBwnKsRB
During his final six years at the station, he worked as a producer, most recently contributing to Gary Philipson's daytime programme. He also co-presented a Sunday morning gardening show with Brigid Press.
His daughter paid an emotional tribute, describing her father as "incredibly modest and generous" and someone who always made time for "friends and strangers alike".
"Outside of his work, he loved his family and his music. His true talent shone through while he was playing his keyboards, synthesisers, and bass," she said.
"He was the most loving father and husband, always going out of his way to make us happy."
Dave Llewellyn died aged 57
|BBC
She added that he would be "sadly missed by everyone who knew him, especially our beloved dog Cupid, who always saw a taste of his generosity, usually in the form of a shared sausage sandwich."
Beyond his broadcasting work, Mr Llewellyn was well established on the local music scene, pursuing his passion both as a performer and producer.
Colleagues at BBC Radio Tees delivered heartfelt tributes during Friday morning's broadcast.
Breakfast show presenter Amy Oakden told listeners the team would "never ever forget his iconic voice", adding: "I always remember Dave because he was just so kind and lovely. He was a legend."
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BBC colleagues have paid tribute
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Producer Sarah Robinson fought back tears as she remembered her colleague with characteristic warmth and humour.
"What do I say about Dave? Worst taste in shirts I have ever seen, he wore terrible shirts, made bad coffee, the worst coffee I had ever tasted in my whole life, but Dave was relentlessly cheerful and positive and never came into the office without having a smile on his face," she said.
BBC Radio Tees issued a statement describing Mr Llewellyn as a "brilliant colleague and friend".
Listeners flooded the programme with messages of condolence, expressing shock and sadness at the news.
BBC Tees host Amy Oakden paid tribute live on air
|BBC
Many remembered the broadcaster as kind, friendly and good-humoured, with one writing: "I'll be thinking about him. Every time you rang in, he was great craic - what a lovely guy."
Bloodrun EVS, a volunteer organisation responsible for transporting blood supplies between hospitals, paid tribute to Mr Llewellyn as "a comforting voice to many" across the region.
The group said: "Thank you for your service. RIP Dave, our condolences and thoughts are with Dave's family and colleagues at this difficult time."
During his time as travel presenter, Mr Llewellyn delivered 12 traffic bulletins every hour across northern radio stations from the BBC's Middlesbrough studio.