In less than a week, the Starcom Network has had to deal with a second shocking death of one of its more popular radio personalities.
Colleagues were still struggling to cope with the passing of Dennis Johnson, the popular moderator of VOB 92.9’s call-in-programme Down to Brass Tacks, who died last Tuesday after a brief illness, when Warren Forte, its stand-out morning show host, died suddenly today.
Forte, 47, known by his DJ moniker of Jon Doe, had thrilled Barbadians every morning between 5 and 10 o’clock with his popular mix of calypso, international and reggae tracks, along with interviews of the country’s major artistes about their latest productions.
A former Harrison College student, he joined Starcom in September 1999. He is survived by his wife, Tracy.
Six days after being part of a special tribute for Johnson on VOB, station manager, Anthony Greene again spoke about an unexpected death in the media family of Barbados.
“We learnt this afternoon that Warren Forte, also known as Jon Doe, passed away suddenly. Warren was our morning personality on Hott 95.3 FM for many years,” Greene said in a statement of condolence.
“He served Starcom Network with distinction, being the number one personality on the radio. We extend condolences to his family and loved ones.”
Greene noted that Forte’s death came at a time when the Starcom family was still in grief. He revealed the deejay was at the offices on River Road, St Michael as part of a virtual event related to the Nation Publishing Company’s annual Funathlon when he collapsed.
“It comes at a time when tributes are still ongoing for veteran broadcaster Dennis Johnson who passed this week (last Tuesday). In less than a week we have lost two of our well-loved radio personalities. Indeed, it is an extremely difficult period for Starcom Network and the media fraternity. As it is throughout this country, and for many other families we must receive our strength from Almighty God and believe we can get through this together,” the Starcom boss added.
Forte was also slated to be part of a Hot Summer Burn outdoor event today.
Tributes started to pour in on social media, especially from those within the island’s entertainment industry, as artistes Biggie Irie and King Bubba offered their condolences to Forte’s family. (BA)
