Steve Wright death update as coroner issues statement

The death of Radio 2 DJ Steve Wright will not be subject to an inquest, according to a statement from Westminster Coroner's Court.

The veteran BBC radio broadcaster, who was a familiar voice on UK airwaves, passed away at the age of 69 in February, sending shockwaves through the entertainment industry. Tributes poured in for the radio titan, whose career spanned five decades.

Westminster Coroner's Court said in a statement: "An inquest will not be required for Mr Wright. The coroner has now discontinued this case."

Coroners typically investigate sudden, violent or unnatural deaths such as accidents or suicides. They can also decide whether there are grounds to hold an inquest for a natural death, which can occur in cases of neglect or if the person was in police custody or prison at the time of death, reports the Mirror.

The Metropolitan Police previously stated that Wright's death at a flat in the Marylebone area of central London "was unexpected, but is not being treated as suspicious". Wright first joined BBC Radio 1 in 1980 to host a Saturday evening show and held various positions including an afternoon show and a breakfast show at the station.

After a stint at commercial radio, he returned to BBC Radio 2 in 1996 to host Steve Wright's Saturday Show and Sunday Love Songs. Three years later, he began hosting Steve Wright In The Afternoon every weekday on Radio 2.

Wright stepped down in September 2022, replaced by Scott Mills in a schedule shake-up, but continued to present Sunday Love Songs on BBC Radio 2. Michael Ball has been unveiled as the host of a Sunday love songs programme, now rebranded as Love Songs With Michael Ball.

Wright was honoured with an MBE in the 2024 New Year Honours for his contributions to radio. Colleagues have been paying heartfelt tributes to the radio legend, hailing him as "one of the greatest exponents of the art of radio" following the announcement of his passing. Wright was a cherished personality on BBC Radio 1 and subsequently Radio 2 for more than four decades, captivating millions of listeners.

His family said in a statement in February: "It is with deep sorrow and profound regret that we announce the passing of our beloved Steve Wright. In addition to his son, Tom, and daughter, Lucy, Steve leaves behind his brother, Laurence and his father Richard. Also, much-loved close friends and colleagues, and millions of devoted radio listeners who had the good fortune and great pleasure of allowing Steve into their daily lives as one of the UK's most enduring and popular radio personalities. As we all grieve, the family requests privacy at this immensely difficult time."