Perth radio presenter Shane McFarlane has died at 53 due to severe gastric issues on Wednesday. Complications from ongoing gastric issues have been cited as the reason behind McFarlane’s demise.

McFarlane was the Mix 94.5 breakfast announcer and co-hosted Perth's No. 1 commercial breakfast show with Kymba Cahill and Dean Clairs. He was on service leave since mid-September owing to his prolonged illness. The news of McFarlane’s demise was announced in a post on the official Facebook page of Mix 94.5.

“It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that our beloved Shane McFarlane has passed away due to complications from ongoing gastric issues,” the statement read.

McFarlane has worked with Mix 94.5 for 14 years and was an integral part of the channel. His co-hosts Clairs and Cahill skipped their Friday morning show due to McFarlane’s death.

He started his career in Western Australia’s North West. The radio presenter is survived by a son.

Yahoo reports that McFarlane was given an on air tribute by Southern Cross Austereo news director Adam Hemmings. He said that McFarlane was held in deep affection by Perth radio listeners for his humour.

"As a team we are in shock. As a community we will mourn the man who gave us many laughs to kick start the day. His passing will leave a deep hole in our hearts and day-to-day lives."

Mix 94.5 general manager Linda Wayman also spoke about the radio star's death.

Wayman said that Shane’s test reports reflected that his pituitary gland was not functioning properly and he was admitted in a hospital for treatment a few weeks ago. Friends and colleagues paid tribute to McFarlane at the National Radio Conference, which was held on Friday morning on the Gold Coast.

Fans and followers of McFarlane have paid their condolences to him on the official Facebook page of Mix 94.5.

“Too sad to think that Shane will no longer light up the airwaves for us all. Deepest sympathies to his family and friends and all at Mix 94.5,” an ardent fan commented on Facebook.

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