Cape Town – Veteran radio DJ and TV presenter Mark Pilgrim has died after battling stage four lung cancer.
Mark died at age 53 on Sunday morning, HOT 1027FM confirmed.
He died at home with his family, the station said.
“It was with great sadness that I share this news,” Lloyd Madurai, HOT 102.7FM, said in a Facebook post published an hour later
“Our hero and brother and much-loved radio personality Mark Pilgrim lost his battle with cancer this morning at 10:45,” he said.
“He fought valiantly to the very end. Mark passed peacefully with his fiancé Adrienne [by his side] at home. They were together for his last breath.
“The family thank you for being part of his journey. For loving him and for celebrating him and supporting him always. Mark will be greatly missed by all. May his soul rest in peace,” Madurai said.
Since the announcement of the sad news, Pilgrim is currently a trending topic on social media, as tributes pour in.
After 33 years of his cancer being in remission, Mark was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer in March 2022.
Since then, he has regularly updated his followers about his journey with the hope of inspiring them.
Here are some of the tributes
You fought with all of your heart, Mark. May you now rest peacefully. ❤️?? As God welcomes you with open arms, may He also keep your family & loved ones comforted. #RIPMarkPilgrim pic.twitter.com/9oEEKkwKSY
— Boity Thulo (@Boity) March 5, 2023
Deeply saddened by the passing of Mark Pilgrim. He gave humanity his best and fought a good fight. Heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and fans. May his great soul rest in peace #RIPMark #RIPMarkPilgrim?? https://t.co/CJiFe4w0OA
— Prof Thuli Madonsela #KindnessBuilds (@ThuliMadonsela3) March 5, 2023
My deepest condolences to the Pilgrim family and all of his friends and work colleagues.
We have lost a passionate South Africa who dedicated his life to radio and TV giving many South Africans joyous moments over the decades. May his soul rest in peace. #RIPMarkPilgrim https://t.co/0hgpgq4Bpn
— Mmusi Maimane (@MmusiMaimane) March 5, 2023
I’ve never seen such a fighter❤️.Rest in peace Mark Pilgrim. #RIPMarkPilgrim ? pic.twitter.com/8Bc5gotwBI
— Goodwill (@Goodwill_Thomo) March 5, 2023
Another sad day, Rest in peace Mark?️?You fought a good fight Mark, And you remain a hero. May your soul rest in eternal peace#RipMarkpilgrim #RIP pic.twitter.com/rr87m48nj5
— Galaletsang Tshungu (@Realgalaletsang) March 5, 2023
I have never met such a brave and optimistic man. His attitude was contagious. I’ve learnt a lot from him by just observimg him fight the cancer. #RIPMarkPilgrim pic.twitter.com/sDp9xgVEUL
— Boitumelo Matshaba (@BoituMatshaba) March 5, 2023
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Picture: Instagram/ markpilgrimza
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Compiled by Olwethu Mpeshe
