Esteemed Australian journalist and Television presenter Russell Woolf has died overnight at age 57.
Woolf’s passing was announced by radio announcer Geoff Hutchison live on ABC Radio Perth this morning. His cause of death hasn’t been released but it’s believed that Woolf died “suddenly” overnight in his sleep.
“It has come as a huge shock to us,” Hutchison said this morning.
“We have only just learnt of his passing in the last few hours and it’s still sinking in.
“Everyone here at ABC Radio Perth is in shock and trying to make sense of it.
“Russell, as you know, is a much loved and much cherished part of our ABC family, and we’re going to battle to find words for a little while this morning.
“Goodbye to our dear friend and colleague and you leave a very big hole in our hearts and our lives.”
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Woolf had been a popular media fixture and radio personality for over twenty years. Throughout his career he was the weather presenter for ABC’s West Australian television news, hosted the ABC Drive radio afternoon program and most recently, the presenter of ABC Perth’s breakfast show.
Tributes have flooded in for Woolf, including heartfelt homages from WA Premier Mark McGowan and Comedian Wil Anderson.
“I’ve spoken to Russell regularly for years to promote various projects. He was generous, supportive and funny and I considered him a friend and always looked forward to our conversations. I’m shattered by this news and send my love to his friends, family and colleagues,” Anderson posted on Twitter.
I’ve spoken to Russell regularly for years to promote various projects. He was generous, supportive and funny and I considered him a friend and always looked forward to our conversations. I’m shattered by this news and send my love to his friends, family and colleagues https://t.co/OqUyUBFCxw
— Wil Anderson (@Wil_Anderson) October 26, 2021
“I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of local media legend, Russell Woolf. Most recently, Russell was the host of @abcperth‘s Breakfast program, but he had a long and storied career in Western Australian journalism.
“His unique and iconic voice, wit and personality made him beloved by countless Western Australians. For many of us, whether we knew him personally or not, it will feel like we’ve lost a friend today. My thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time,” the WA premier posted on Twitter.
Woolf is survived by his wife Kylie and daughter Bronte. Our deepest condolences go out to Woolf’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.
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