The family of Graham Whyte, a former BBC Radio Merseyside journalist, has announced his passing, describing their devastation at the loss. Whyte, who was a beloved figure in the Merseyside community, had been with the BBC since 1999. In a heartfelt statement o n social media, his family shared: "Our lovely Graham Whyte sadly passed away on Tuesday. We are all heartbroken and in shock, he will now be up there with his Mum, Dad, Rob, and Dave. Funeral details will follow in due course." Tributes have since poured in, with one mourner writing: "Oh no, that’s so, so sad. I’m so sorry, thinking of you all. All my love." Another added: "So sorry, thinking of you all and sending love from all my family." A third tribute read: "That is horribly sad news. He was a genuinely lovely man with a wonderful sense of humour." Whyte’s career in journalism began at Radio City Liverpool before he made the move to the BBC, where he became a well-known voice in the region, reports the Mirror. The news of Whyte’s passing comes shortly after the death of BBC Radio 1 DJ Andy Peebles, who died at the age of 76. Peebles was best known for hosting shows on BBC Radio 1 from 1978 to 1992 and was renowned for his passion for music. Fellow broadcaster Mike Read shared on X: "Devastated to hear the news about our chum Andy Peebles. He was about to join us at Heritage. We joined Radio One together. Knew his music & cricket inside out. Raise your bat & enjoy a long rest in the pavilion. We lunched recently with DLT & Adrian Juste. Great innings." Radio executive John Simons added: "So sad to hear the news about Andy Peebles passing. I’ll miss our long conversations about football and soul music, of which he was far more knowledgeable. There’s going to be a Quiet Storm in heaven tonight. RIP Andy." Fans also shared their sorrow, with one writing: "Very sad news indeed." Another added: "So, farewell Andy Peebles. Piccadilly Radio & BBC Radio 1. From those golden days when mainstream radio stations knew who their audience were." Peebles made history in December 1980 when he conducted the last-ever interview with John Lennon and Yoko Ono on BBC Radio 1, just two days before Lennon was tragically murdered. His career began in 1973 at BBC Radio Manchester before he helped establish Piccadilly Radio in Manchester. He later joined Radio 1 and even hosted 15 editions of Top of the Pops. Both Whyte and Peebles leave behind a lasting legacy in British radio broadcasting.