Police have confirmed that a man who was pronounced dead after being pulled from a river over the weekend was former BBC Radio Derby presenter Michael Carey.
The 87-year-old was rescued from the River Derwent at Darley Abbey Mills on Saturday morning. The much-loved presenter, who was from the local area, was taken to hospital but died shortly after.
Mr Carey hosted a programme called Memorable Melodies for the radio station for almost 20 years before stepping down in 2019, the Mirror reports. Police said officers were investigating how he got into the water.
Anyone who was in the area between 08:30 and 09:20 BST on Saturday has been asked to contact the force. BBC Radio Derby paid tribute to the popular presenter.
"It’s with great sadness that we announce that Mike Carey has passed away at the age of 87," they tweeted.
"Mike was a former presenter on BBC Radio Derby for almost 20 years, where he hosted Memorable Melodies. We’re getting the latest tributes to Mike."
Aftab Gulzar, the station's executive editor said Mr Carey - known as Mike to everyone at the BBC - enjoyed an "incredible life".
Subscribe here for the latest news where you live
As well as being an accomplished radio presenter, Mr Carey was also an author. The sports fan also worked as a national cricket correspondent.
Mr Gulzar described him as a "constant professional" and praised his colleague's work ethic.
"He was a reserved man but if you got him on to some subjects like music, cricket or his dogs, then you'd be there chewing the fat for some time," he said.
Listeners have taken to social media to express their sadness. One posted on twitter: "Sad news. Condolences to all family and friends. RIP."
Another wrote: "This is just terrible news."
