Former 3AW Radio Host Keith McGowan Dies in His Sleep [WATCH]

CREDIT: YouTube/3AWRadio

Former 3AW 693 radio host Keith McGowan died in his sleep on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2013 at around 11 pm Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT). McGowan reportedly suffered a stroke in his sleep and did not regain consciousness after that.

According to the 3AW 693 Web site, the Melbourne, Victoria radio host was 70 years old when he passed away.

"We're sad to report a dear friend of 3AW, veteran broadcaster Keith McGowan, has passed away," posted 3AW on its Web site.

"Keith, 70, suffered a stroke in his sleep Saturday night and did not regain consciousness."

"He passed away 11pm Sunday evening," 3AW confirmed on its Web site.

The 3AW Web site also has a tribute to Keith McGowan featuring heartfelt messages from McGowan's 3AW coworkers Tony Leonard (Click HERE to listen), Bruce Mansfield and Phil Brady (Click HERE to listen.)

Several messages were also posted on the 3AW Web site in remembrance of McGowan. Below are some of them.

Nick McCallum reminisced about moments he had with McGowan.

"Keith McGowan was one of Melbourne's truly great characters," posted Nick McCallum on the 3AW Web site.

"I am deeply saddened by his passing, but I just can't help it, I smile every time I think of him."

"He was a caring considerate and soul wrapped up in a gruff old bastard," McCallum added.

Justin Smith is deeply saddened by McGowan's death.

"It's a sad old day for us. People can overuse the word "legend", but we can pull it out here," posted Smith on the Keith McGowan tribute page on the 3AW Web site.

"We've been swapping stories about the old boy this morning. Some we'll never be able to tell, but they've all made us smile and laugh out loud," he added.

Others took to Twitter to express their sorrow over McGowan's demise. Check out some of their tweets below:

"Vale Keith McGowan. He was very kind to me when I worked briefly at @3AW693. He was a Noddy fan and gave me a 1960s figurine. Sad news," tweeted Kate Osborn.

"Listening to memories of Keith McGowan on @3AW693 - I know my nan and pop really loved his show. What a service to broadcasting," tweeted Emily Webb.

McGowan hosted the 3AW Overnighters program for 21 years. He retired in July 2011. He is survived by his wife Angela. He has two children from a previous marriage, Tania and Nathan.