Former Triple M host Sammy Power dies aged 55
Former Triple M radio host Sammy Power has died at the age of 55.
Her death was confirmed by friends who say she was found in her home in Hendra, northeast Brisbane, on Monday, the Courier Mail reported.
She enjoyed a 28-year radio career before packing it in to move back to Brisbane to help her mother run Queensland’s farmers markets after developing it in her hometown.
She would later become the chief executive of the Jan Powers Farmers Market.
She admitted her decision to quit radio was driven by feeling “burnt out”. In 2017, she featured on the front page of Brisbane News revealing a remarkable weight loss, losing 60kg after previously weighing 120kg.
It is understood Power, a renowned cat lover, lost a lengthy battle with alcoholism and mental health issues.
Tributes began to flood in late on Monday, with many remembering her as a larger-than-life character.
Radio presenter Ben Fordham labelled Power a “trailblazer”.
“I met her about 15 years ago and she was instantly nice ... Thanks for the laughs, Sammy,” he said on Twitter.
RIP Sammy Power. Sammy was a radio star and a trailblazer. I met her about 15 years ago and she was instantly nice. Here she is, photographed in 2017, for the Brisbane Times. Thanks for the laughs, Sammy. pic.twitter.com/m0PCR4SRhS
— Ben Fordham (@BenFordham) December 16, 2019
Loretta Ryan said she was “saddened’ to learn of Power’s death.
“Worked with her at Triple M ... I can still hear her talking about her cats and her infectious laugh.”
Former MP Gardy Hardgrave said she was a “gifted, intelligent person”.
Her family released a statement on Tuesday mourning her loss.
“Sammy Power was a colourful, funny, and gregarious person whose greatest quality was her unbridled generosity and kind heart,” the statement began.
“Sammy saw the good in everyone and brought colour, vibrancy and a sharp wit to every conversation and every situation. She was creative and absolutely unique, something that is truly rare.
“She is survived by her Mother Jan, Father John, Sister Astrid and Nieces Emily, Olivia and India, all of who are shocked and overwhelmed by her loss.
“They respectfully ask that all speculation and comment cease and that the family is allowed to grieve privately at this time.”
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