Tributes paid to former BBC Radio presenter Kelly Jobanputra

Written by Lee Price

Tributes have been paid to former BBC Radio 6 Music presenter and producer Kelly Jobanputra who died after being hit by a train on April 26th.

The 40-year-old mother of two young children was pronounced dead at the scene close to Swindon station.

Kelly’s father has since revealed she was struggling with her mental health before her death and told The Sun newspaper that he wanted “people to understand that while people may look fantastic on the outside it doesn’t really tell you everything about them.”

Kelly left home on the Friday afternoon to go shopping but never returned. Her father said at the time: “We are completely and utterly bereft to lose such a vibrant, attractive, courageous and well-loved family member at such a very young age.

“She was in good spirits when she left at lunchtime to go to Asda.”

Kelly, who was known by her maiden name of Stooke, worked on BBC local radio for 15 years before joining 6 Music.

John Stooke added: “She touched a lot of people’s lives, and they liked her. She was likable, bright and, as I say, optimistic and friendly.

“But a lot of it was a facade. Deep down she was constantly battling what was going on in her psyche.

“I want people to understand that whilst people may look fantastic on the outside it doesn’t really tell you everything about them and I want people to understand that.

“If there’s anything that comes out of this that is the message.”

Former colleague Dan Chisholm paid his respect to his friend: “My lovely friend and former BBC colleague Kelly Jobanputra has died. A beautiful bright light has gone out way too soon. Sending love to Vik, their children, extended family and friends. Sleep well Kels; thank you for bringing such joy into my life. Friendship like yours is rare.”

Posted on Monday, May 6th, 2019 at 8:42 pm by Lee Price

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