Mansfield’s family ‘devastated’ by radio star’s death

The family of TV and radio personality Jeremy Mansfield is devastated by his death.

Mansfield, who died on Monday morning, was diagnosed with liver cancer in January 2022 after a previous battle with leukaemia.

His close friend Samantha Cowen confirmed his passing.

She said he died at home surrounded by family and friends. His family members have asked for privacy.

“This morning a light went out in the world. Jeremy Mansfield passed away just before dawn. He died peacefully at home surrounded by family and friends and boundless love,” read the statement.

Cowen said until his death, loved ones had been reading well wishes from friends and fans. Mansfield celebrated his 59th birthday in August, and Cowen said he saw the messages and was in high spirits. But this turned to sadness when his mom died on his birthday.

“Phew, a bit of a whirlwind birthday. Kari convinced my sister, brother-in-law and cousin Shante to fly from the Eastern Cape to join us for a surprise birthday party I knew nothing about. Party for about 100, only to wake up this morning to find out on my real birthday that my mom had passed away at 5am.

“The sisters at the frail care centre said mom was a legend and they [used] to love hearing her voice coming down the passage with her walker. Up to her last days she knew how to bring a smile to everyone’s face. Rest in peace with your husband Pete and your two sons Charlie and Steve.”

Mansfield made his first social media appearance in October. Cowen took to her Facebook timeline to share a video of the frail broadcaster expressing his gratitude to his fans.

“Jeremy wanted to say thank you to all of you for your kindness and messages. Today is a better day for him than it has been for a very long time. Thank you to all of you,” she wrote.

“Thank you to everyone who took time to send lovely messages after Friday’s video. He was very touched and I think it made a huge difference to know how many people love him.”

HOT 102.7FM MD Lloyd Madurai said Jeremy changed the SA radio landscape and was the benchmark for many presenters who came after him.

“He leaves an enormous void in the industry. But, we are comforted by the incredible impact Jeremy had, shaking up the establishment and leaving his mark in the most entertaining and heart-warming way. The HOT family says, ‘Go well, our friend, and know that you made a difference’. ”