Gordon Sparks, the famous BBC Radio commentator and presenter, passed away this Sunday. He was 61 years at the time of his death. Read on to learn how did Gordon Sparks die, what happened to him, and what was the cause of his death.
Sparks was referred to as “Sparksy” by his friends and fans. He was best known for presenting the BBC Radio Devon Breakfast Show. Tributes have emerged following the late host’s untimely demise.
Who was Gordon Sparks?
Gordon Sparks was a veteran BBC Radio host from Devon, southwest England. Born in 1961, Sparks was best known for presenting the BBC Radio Devon Breakfast Show. He had also commentated on Plymouth Argyle games for a whopping period of 32 years.
As a Plymothian, Sparks was a keen supporter of the Plymouth Argyle F.C. It was clearly visible from his somewhat partisan commentaries on games broadcasted on BBC Radio Devon. He had a long career on air before quitting due to health struggles.
In 2017, he returned to host the weekday Breakfast Show on BBC Radio Devon with Laura James joining him as co-host later. However, Sparks couldn’t continue much longer due to his health battles.
How did Gordon Sparks die?
Gordon Sparks died on Sunday, October 16, 2022, at St. Luke’s Hospice in Plymouth where he was getting treated for cancer. The late BBC Radio presenter had been struggling with cancer for the last 17 years.
A few days later, Sparks announced via Twitter that he was entering hospice care as his condition was worsening. He had been sharing updates on his condition via Twitter lately.
Here is tonight's report from Plymouth as the city mourns the loss of Gordon Sparks pic.twitter.com/Xk0SIKkFue
— Sam Blackledge (@samblackledge) October 16, 2022
Unfortunately, Sparks passed away Sunday morning. Stephanie Marshall, head of BBC South and South West announced the tragic news of Sparks’ death.
“It is a very sad day for BBC Radio Devon. Our hearts go out to Gordon’s friends, family, and faithful listeners,” she stated.
“Gordon was a broadcasting legend – honest and brave through the toughest times. He will be missed dearly.”
Gordon Sparks dead at 61: What was his cause of death?
Gordon Sparks died after a battle with cancer. The radio presenter announced in May that his cancer had returned in the form of two tumors in his throat. His condition had become so bad that his vocal cord has stopped functioning normally.
As per the reports, his lungs had stopped responding to antibiotics and he developed another tumor on his liver. Sparks was also having severe difficulties breathing.
He was getting treatment for the same before passing away this past Sunday. Prior to that, Sparks was first diagnosed with testicular cancer 17 years ago. He received treatment for the same and defeated the disease.
Unfortunately, the BBC Radio host lost the battle this time.
Gordon Sparks Obituary: Funeral Arrangements and Tributes
Gordan Sparks’ sudden and untimely death has triggered a series of tributes, prayers, and wishes. Olympic swimmer Sharron Davies and footballer Peter Shilton were among those paying respect to Gordon Sparks.
Sparks’ colleagues and fans have also flooded social media following his death remembering him as an “on-air legend.”
The funeral arrangements for Gordon Sparks are pending at this time. His family will announce the details soon and we’ll update this section.
Gordon Sparks is survived by his wife Heather, daughters Kirsty and Holly, and his granddaughter Darcie.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. May God let the departed soul rest in peace.