Radio presenter Mike Smith dies

London: Former BBC Radio 1 presenter Mike Smith has passed away due to complications following a major heart surgery. He was 59. The radio and TV anchor, known by his `on air` name Smitty, died in a hospital on August 1, suggest reports.

Sarah Greene, his wife of 25 years, has thanked the hospital staff who treated her husband for their care and compassion, and has now asked that her family and friends be allowed to grieve in peace. "Mike founded Flying TV (his filming firm) ten years ago and the company says his legacy will be FTV continuing to go from strength to strength," said the spokesperson of the late `The Radio 1 Breakfast Show` host. Noel Edmonds, who worked with Smith on the `Late, Late Breakfast Show` on radio, said in a statement, "I am totally stunned and heartbroken for Sarah and his family. He was so much more than simply a presenter." Smith spent six years at BBC Radio 1 station between 1982 and 1988, and during that time was also a presenter on `Top of the Pops` and hosted `Live Aid` on TV.