Former Top Gear presenter Sue Baker has tragically died at the age of 67 following a battle with motor neurone disease.
Her death was confirmed by members of her family who shared a statement on Monday. "It is with very great sadness, that we share the news of Sue's passing," it reads.
"A doting mother to Ian and Hannah, a loving grandmother to Tom and George, a wonderful mother-in-law to Lucy. She passed at home this morning with family around her."
The family described the journalist as a "talented and prolific writer, a charismatic TV presenter, and a passionate animal lover". The statement continues: "[She] did it all with such grace that she was admired and respected by all who knew her. We know she meant so much to so many.
"Thank you to everyone who has supported her over the last few years as she battled with MND."
Sue joined Top Gear in 1980 when the show entered its fourth season. She quickly became a vital part of the show before making way for Jeremy Clarkson 11 years later, the Mirror reports.
Throughout her impactful and inspiring career, Sue set up and ran the Motor Racing News Service and became the motoring editor of the Observer.
In light of her passing, tributes poured in on social media. The Guild of Motoring Writers took to Twitter to share their sadness, writing: "We are deeply saddened to learn our vice-president and former chair, @carscribe Sue Baker, passed away this morning following a long illness. Sue was a pioneer for women in automotive journalism and a former presenter of @BBC_TopGear."
Her friend, Giles Chapman, also wrote: "I must echo others on here today in paying tribute to Sue Baker @carscribe who sadly died today. Proper old school journo yet always kind and generous to colleagues, especially newcomers. A rare trait indeed…
"Sue @carscribe should be hailed as a feminist icon - the first woman to become a Fleet Street pro in car journalism."
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