Gavin Ford: Lebanon's famed morning radio host found murdered

For decades he lent his voice to Radio One’s ‘Gavin Ford in the Morning’ radio show, a favourite among morning commuters

A file photo shows a portrait of British citizen and prominent Radio One host Gavin Ford posing in the Lebanese based Radio station in the town of Beit Mery east of Beirut on January 26, 2017. Gavin Ford's lifeless body was discovered at his home in Beit Meri, a town east of Beirut where his employer Radio One is also based. / AFP / STR
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Gavin Ford has for years been a familiar fixture for Lebanon's radio listeners and motorists, used to his morning show offering a calming respite during chaotic traffic. A wave of shock and sadness then met the news that he had been murder at his home in the hills above Beirut on Monday.

Lebanon’s Internal Security Forces have yet to disclose the details of the incident but local media reported that Ford, who for decades led Radio One’s ‘Gavin Ford in the Morning’ radio show, was found dead and covered in blood his apartment in Beit Merry near the capital of Beirut.

Radio One announced his passing in a post on Facebook but did not provide details.

"We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our dear friend and colleague Gavin Ford. The management and team express our deepest sympathies to his family, friends and colleagues. May his soul rest in peace," the statement said.

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Ford, a British national, joined Radio One in 1996.

Lebanese daily Annahar said the popular radio presenter had been strangled with a cloth and found handcuffed.

The newspaper also claimed that marks found on the man’s body suggested he was hit by a sharp object.

The National could not independently verify these claims.

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Read more:

Famed morning radio host's death shocks Lebanon

Friends and colleagues pay tribute to radio star Gavin Ford

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Fans and listeners took to Twitter to express shock and sadness at the news.

“Been listening to Gavin for almost 20 years. Such sad news for Lebanon” tweeted Dana Ballout.

“Yesterday you were shining with so much positiveness and today you are gone !!! Rest in Peace my dear friend and may God bless your beautiful soul,” tweeted Rula El Halabi