Home

Russell Woolf dies: Mourners leave touching floral tribute on ABC presenter’s red scooter

The West Australian
CommentsComments
VideoThe sudden death of well-known Perth presenter Russell Woolf sent shockwaves across the community

Mourners have left a touching floral tribute to ABC presenter Russell Woolf, leaving flowers on his beloved red scooter after he died suddenly on Monday night.

Woolf’s death prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the country on Tuesday after it was announced on-air by colleague Geoff Hutchison.

The ABC radio host’s love for the red Piaggio scooter was well known, and it remains parked in his West Leederville street the day after his death sent shockwaves throughout WA’s media industry.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

White and red roses adorn the bike where it is parked on the verge, with one mourner even electing to leave a bottle of Peroni beer in the footrest.

Hutchison said on Tuesday that Woolf’s death had come as a “huge shock” to his colleagues at ABC.

Hutchison said he would remember Woolf for being “larger than life and big and fun and welcoming” who made friends wherever he went.

“He knew he was loved but the thing I used to find amazing with him... we tease him about his ratings sometimes but he had more friends than all of us put together,” he said.

Friends and neighbours have laid flowers on the scooter that belonged to late ABC presenter Russell Woolf .
Camera IconFriends and neighbours have laid flowers on the scooter that belonged to late ABC presenter Russell Woolf . Credit: Justin Benson-Cooper/The West Australian

Premier Mark McGowan joined the tributes for Woolf on Tuesday, while former co-host Nadia Mitsopolous wrote a touching piece about her “outrageously talented colleague and supremely loyal friend”.

“The breadth and sincerity of the mourning for Russell says everything about his endless capacity for friendship,” she wrote.

Russell Woolf died in his sleep on Monday night.
Camera IconRussell Woolf died in his sleep on Monday night. Credit: Matt Jelonek/The West Australian

“He was immediately a mate of everyone he met. Those who only listened to him on the radio considered themselves friends.

“I loved having him as my sidekick. He had an endless capacity to make you smile and an infectious laugh that instantly infected everyone around him with happiness.”

Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.

Sign up for our emails