Roi Simpson Died: The Life and Death of a Legendary Journalist and Editor

Roi Simpson, the news editor and journalist of Heart FM, a popular radio station in Cape Town, South Africa, passed away on Monday, December 27, 2023, at the age of 51. His death was confirmed by his colleague and friend, Aden Thomas, the host of the Breakfast Show on Heart FM, who announced the sad news on air and social media.

Who was Roi Simpson?

Roi was a seasoned journalist and editor who had over 25 years of experience in the media industry. He started his career as a reporter for the Cape Argus newspaper in 1998, where he covered various beats, including politics, crime, sports, and entertainment. He later joined the Independent Online (IOL) as a senior reporter and editor, where he worked for 15 years. He was also a columnist for the Cape Times and the Sunday Independent, where he wrote insightful and provocative pieces on current affairs and social issues.

In 2018, he joined Heart FM as the news editor and journalist, where he was responsible for overseeing the news content and direction of the radio station. He also hosted a daily show at 12 noon, where he delved deeper into the key stories of the day, giving the context and broader perspectives that explained why they were important and how they might unfold. He was known for his holistic grasp of the complex interrelationships between different stories, which allowed him to easily convey the patterns and implications of the information he shared. He was also a mentor and a leader to many young journalists who looked up to him for guidance and inspiration.

Roi Simpson was not only a journalist and an editor, but also a husband, a father, a son, a brother, and a friend to many. He was married to his wife, Lisa, for 22 years, and they had two children, a son, Liam, and a daughter, Leah. He was also a devoted son to his mother, Joyce, and a loving brother to his sister, Renee. He was a passionate and generous person who cared deeply about his family, his friends, his colleagues, and his community. He was also a fan of sports, especially rugby and cricket, and he enjoyed watching and playing them with his son.

What was the cause of his death?

According to Aden Thomas, Roi Simpson died of a heart attack in his sleep on Monday morning. He said that Roi had been feeling unwell for a few days, but he did not think it was anything serious. He said that Roi had been working hard and had been under a lot of stress, especially with the recent surge of COVID-19 cases and the lockdown restrictions in South Africa. He said that Roi had been a dedicated and professional journalist who always put his work first, even at the expense of his own health and well-being.

Thomas said that he was shocked and devastated by Roi’s sudden and unexpected death and that he felt like he had lost a brother. He said that Roi was his closest friend and colleague and that they had worked together for over 10 years. He said that Roi was a brilliant and talented journalist who had a knack for finding and telling the stories that mattered. He said that Roi was also a kind and compassionate person who had a great sense of humor and a warm personality. He said that Roi was loved and respected by everyone who knew him and that he would be sorely missed by the Heart FM family and the listeners.

How did people react to his death?

Roi Simpson’s death sent shockwaves across the media industry and the public, as many people expressed their grief and condolences on social media and other platforms. Some of the prominent figures who paid tribute to Roi included:

• President Cyril Ramaphosa, tweeted: “I am deeply saddened by the passing of Roi Simpson, a veteran journalist and editor who served our nation with integrity and excellence. He was a voice of reason and a source of information for millions of South Africans. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and colleagues. May his soul rest in peace.”
• Mayor of Cape Town, Dan Plato, said: “He was a respected and trusted journalist who always reported the truth and held the powerful accountable. He was a friend of the city and a champion of the people. He made a significant contribution to the development and transformation of our society. His death is a great loss for our city and our country. I extend my heartfelt sympathy and support to his loved ones and his colleagues at Heart FM.”
• Leader of the Democratic Alliance, John Steenhuisen, said: “Simpson was a fearless and fair journalist who never shied away from asking the tough questions and exposing the corruption and incompetence of the ANC government. He was a defender of democracy and a promoter of human rights. He was also a kind and humble person who always treated everyone with respect and dignity. He was one of the best in his field and a role model for many aspiring journalists. I send my deepest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues at Heart FM.”
• Leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters, Julius Malema, said: “Roi was a courageous and honest journalist who always spoke truth to power and challenged the status quo. He was a revolutionary and a patriot who fought for the liberation and empowerment of the oppressed and the marginalized. He was also a generous and friendly person who always had a smile and a joke for everyone. He was a rare and precious gem in the media industry and a hero for the masses. I salute him and I mourn him with his family, friends, and colleagues at Heart FM.”

Many other journalists, politicians, celebrities, activists, and ordinary citizens also shared their memories and tributes to Roi Simpson, praising his work and his character, and expressing their sadness and shock at his death. They also sent their messages of support and solidarity to his family, friends, and colleagues, and wished them strength and comfort during this difficult time.

Roi Simpson Death and Obituary

Roi leaves behind a legacy of excellence and integrity in journalism and media. He was a pioneer and a leader in his field, who set high standards and inspired others to follow. He was a storyteller and a commentator, who informed and educated the public on the issues that affected them. He was a watchdog and a whistleblower, who exposed and confronted the wrongdoings and injustices in society. He was a visionary and a strategist, who shaped and influenced the direction and future of the media industry.

Simpson also leaves behind a legacy of love and kindness in his personal life. He was a loyal and faithful husband, a loving and supportive father, a caring and devoted son, a protective and generous brother, and a fun and reliable friend. He was a passionate and enthusiastic person, who lived his life to the fullest and enjoyed every moment. He was a humble and grateful person, who appreciated everything he had and gave back to his community.

Roi Simpson was a remarkable and extraordinary person, who touched and changed many lives. He was a legend and a hero, who will be remembered and honored for generations to come. He was a star and an angel, who will shine and watch over us from above. He was Roi, and he will always be in our hearts.