Keith McGowan, former host of radio station 3AW's Overnights program, was admitted to the hospital Saturday after he had a stroke while sleeping. Angela, his wife, carried out cardiopulmonary resuscitation before McGowan was rushed to the hospital, where he died at 11 p.m. Sunday. Until his retirement in 2011, McGowan hosted "Overnighters" on 3AW for more than two decades. He was survived by wife and his two children.

McGowan was born in Melbourne, Australia on March 9, 1943 and died on Dec.22, 2013 at age of 70. In 1957, he started his five decades of long career at radio at 3UZ followed by 3TR, 7BU, 7HO, 6PR, 3TR (for a second time), 2NM,2KA, 2HD, 2UW, 3MP, 3DB, 3AK, 3AW. In 1990, he joined Melbourne radio station 3AW as a host of the overnight program, "Overnighters," from midnight until 5.30 a.m. weekdays and continued hosting the show for 21 years. In the 1960s, he also hosted a show named, "Teen Time On Ten" on for GLV-10.

The radio station 3AW has released a statement after his demise on its blog which reads:

"We're sad to report a dear friend of 3AW, veteran broadcaster Keith McGowan, has passed away. Keith, 70, suffered a stroke in his sleep Saturday night and did not regain consciousness. He passed away 11pm Sunday evening. Keith hosted the Overnighters program on 3AW for 21 years until retiring in July, 2011.He was on the radio for more than 50 years on 17 stations across Australia. 3AW's thoughts are with Keith's wife Angela, and we thank listeners for calls of concern and support for the McGowans."

Jstin Smith, senior producer/fill-in presenter at 3AW, also released a statement on the station's blog saying : "It's a sad old day for us. People can overuse the word 'legend,' but we can pull it out here. Keith hosted the overnight program for 21 years on 3AW and he became a part of the place - and a part of Melbourne - as much as anyone could. 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. Keith loved horses, Irish music, taking photos, sweet food with ice cream and cream on top, the female body in all its forms, his listeners, travelling, retirement, and his is wife Angela. We're going to miss him."

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Keith McGowan's family, friends and fans during this hard time. May his soul rest in peace.

Watch: Keith McGowan Tribute: A 24 hour send off

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