The Irish broadcasting world has suffered another terrible loss with the sudden death of BBC Radio Ulster morning show man Stephen Clements.
"We are sorry to bring you the sad news of the passing of our colleague Stephen Clements," BBC Northern Ireland Director Peter Johnston revealed this afternoon. "Our thoughts are with Stephen's family, friends and colleagues, at this difficult time."
A married father of two, Stephen started his career at Citybeat before anchoring the Q Radio breakfast show for seven years, and then last September joining the BBC where he was very much a rising star. Reacting to the news, colleague Stephen Nolan says: "Stephen, your warmth on air was a true reflection of the real you - a kind, decent human being with so much natural talent. My heartfelt condolences to your family. We will miss you."
Adds fellow broadcaster Eamonn Holmes: "I'll miss you, your listeners will miss you. My heartfelt condolences to your family. A lesson for us all to live life because we don't know how long it will last. Sad, sad times. How can you be gone?"
Poignantly, Stephen's last social media posting yesterday featured a collage of photos of his family.

Shocked and saddened to hear that Stephen Clements has passed away at only 47.

Heartfelt condolences to Stephen’s family, friends, fans and colleagues at @qnewsdesk @bbcradioulster

His warmth and humour shone through his work. A really lovely person and a huge loss.

— Naomi Long MEP (@naomi_long) January 7, 2020

We are heartbroken today to learn that our former Q Radio Breakfast show host, colleague and friend Stephen Clements has died suddenly at the age of 47 💔 pic.twitter.com/eUWmG0ZOLj

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) January 7, 2020

This is awful, a man I tuned to every morning for years to clear my head of all the crap in this place - I know so many people who said the same.https://t.co/vLCPTdZRny

— Newton Emerson (@NewtonEmerson) January 7, 2020

Autism NI are saddened to hear the sad passing of our Patron Stephen Clements. Our thoughts and prayers are with his immediate family and friends. Stephen was a great supporter for autism across Northern Ireland. pic.twitter.com/pwCC4lTlAX

— Autism NI (@AutismNIPAPA) January 7, 2020