Yahoo News Tragedy as 'bouncy, bubbly' Mancunian DJ dies days after watching brother's band in reunion gig
Tributes have been paid to a 'one in a million' Mancunian DJ with a big following in Spain. Carol 'Caz' Matthews had flown back to the UK to watch her brother perform in Puressence's reunion gig at the Albert Hall.
She had stayed in Manchester following the gig, but tragically died yesterday (July 2) after becoming unwell. Her brother, Puressence bass player Kevin Matthews, paid tribute to the 'brightest, craziest, most loved girl'.
He told the Manchester Evening News: "It is so, so sad to have lost my beloved sister. There are no words to explain how we all feel.
"She was the brightest, craziest, most loved girl I know. Everybody who knew her will miss her forever. She was undoubtedly one in a million. She is at peace. Goodbye Carol we all love you x."
Proud sister Caz had been hugely excited to see Puressence perform on Saturday night, posting regularly about the reunion on social media in the run up to the show. The band has since shared a moving photo of her at their gig, with a beaming smile and a hat with a Manchester worker bee.
She had previously presented on community stations including North Manchester FM, but while her heart belonged to the city, Caz had made Spain her home in recent years. She had a loyal following as a presenter on the Costa Blanca radio station, Big FM, where she co-presented the breakfast show with station manager Richard Sparks.
"She was a fantastic person to know," he told the M.E.N. "She drove me round the bend - I'm a bit more laid back and serious, but she was never serious. It was just fun. She wormed her way into everybody's hearts. It's such a huge loss.
"She was bouncy, bubby. She was the life and soul of the party - in fact if there was a party, she was the party. She was Manchester mad."
Caz died in hospital yesterday after being taken ill in Manchester. Her followers on the Costa Blanca flooded Big FM's social media pages with condolences and tributes following the sad news.
She had worked with Richard for four years, having initially joined on a trial after providing a a 'bonkers' demo. "We've been receiving cards and messages all day and night," Richard said. "The overwhelming feeling is shock and sadness... it was an enormous shock to us all."
Richard says their show had been 'quite unique'. "We had one of the only double-head shows on the Costa Blanca, we gelled so well together," he added.
"She would come out with these 'Cazisms' - they were the most bizarre things, and they would have us in fits of laughter... people would listen in because of her 'Cazisms'."
Caz, a huge Manchester United fan, had been training to do a 10km run for an animal charity in Spain. Her efforts were in memory of her dog Minni Matthews, who died earlier this year, and who Richard says she 'lived for'.
Hundreds of Big FM listeners have paid tribute to Caz on the station's social media pages. One Facebook user wrote: "I'm so shocked. She definitely used to brighten up my morning. RIP dear lady. Xx"
Another said: "Oh my goodness I am shocked and saddened to read this. She was always so full of life and laughter. She will be greatly missed."
A third added: "Worst news to see. What an absolute legend of a lady. She brightened the room where ever she went. Such positive and amazing energy. So sad. Sending my love to the sky today."
