An 'ultra-talented' DJ tragically died after reportedly falling ill at the Glastonbury festival. Jason Winder has been remembered as a 'natural-born engager and entertainer' following his death.
Jason had previously worked abroad presenting radio shows in Phuket, Thailand, for expats under his stage name, Jason Wilder.
Close friend Tim Newton said Winder 'lived large and packed a lot of life into his 48 short years' in a moving public statement shared online.
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Friend and colleague Tim Newton posted: "Vale Jason Wilder. Very, very sad news this morning of the death of work compatriot and good friend Jason Wilder. Jason passed away whilst at the Glastonbury music festival whilst resting in his on-site tent.
"Jason is best known in Phuket for his long stint behind the afternoon 'Drive' mic at Live 89.5FM, part of the Phuket News empire. Such a natural-born engager and entertainer - solo behind the mic, or in the company of close friends and family, or in front of thousands.
"Ultra-talented, unique, always surprising. When he was 'on' it was hard to turn him off. Jason spent most of the post-Covid years working back in the UK, mostly in music and when we last spoke a few months ago, it was about Glastonbury.... Glastonbury, Glastonbury, Glastonbury.
"And he died there doing what he loved - surrounded by music, friends, and you can be sure, a lot of love and laughter. Jason lived large and packed a lot of life into his 48 short years. RIP dear friend."
Fellow friends and fans of the DJ also left their tributes, as one person wrote: "Very sad news. Shocking. Loved his live music. Rest easy."
Another posted: "Everyone loved him. You don’t meet people like J in life often. Just larger than life. So kind, so funny and just excellent to be around."
Around 200,000 people attended the festival over the weekend, which saw the likes of Arctic Monkeys, Lewis Capaldi and Elton John play to crowds.
