Gibson took own life after battle with depression: report

Veteran journalist Mike Gibson took his own life after a long battle with depression, according to reports.

The 75-year-old sports journalist had battled depression as a result of a number of issues, including the break up of his partner of eight years Lisa Binney and a property dispute, News Corp reports.

"He went into a very, very black place and his brother started dropping in on him every day to check he was okay," a family friend said.

"When his brother Chris phoned Gibbo on Wednesday and the phone went unanswered, he went around and discovered the body."

The former host of Wide World of Sports and The Back Page was found dead at his NSW Central Coast home on Wednesday morning.

He has been remembered as the "bloke next door", a storyteller without peer and a legend of Australian sport.

Along with cricketing great Ian Chappell, Gibson was an original anchor for Wide World Of Sports when it was launched in 1981.

He later hosted The Back Page on Fox Sports for 16 years before stepping away from TV in 2012.

Former Wide World Of Sports colleague Ken Sutcliffe said in a statement: "We are all saddened by his passing. He was a pioneer in TV sport and he did it with his inimitable and special style."

Gibson was popular with viewers and a dyed-in-the-wool sports fan who wore his heart on his sleeve.

He was parodied by the 12th Man, Billy Birmingham, in his second album, Wired World Of Sports in 1987.

Birmingham and Gibson ended up working together on The Back Page with the comedian stepping away from the show one week after 'Gibbo' quit.

"Can't believe we've lost the great Mike Gibson. A terrific journo, excellent TV presenter & an even better bloke. Rest peacefully old friend," Birmingham tweeted on his official 12th Man Page.

If you or someone you know needs help, don't suffer in silence, call Lifeline anytime on 13 11 14 or visit the website www.lifeline.org.au.