“Can anybody help”: Radio star's chilling last post before his death
Radio and TV host Malcolm T. Elliott shared that he was “alone, homeless and desperate” only a day before he passed away at age 73.
Elliott, who was known for hosting shows on 2UW, 2GB and 2UE, was found dead in Lismore, New South Wales on Friday.
And only a day before his death, the radio star took to his Facebook page to make a cry for help.
“Can anybody help I am alone and homeless in Lismore and need a home or board for three months. I am a victim … and am coming on desperate. MTE,” he wrote.
He then responded to a friend who asked if he was OK, saying: “No I am a mess.”
“Just don’t bring flowers,” read his last words.
It has been reported that police are preparing a report for the coroner.
Those in the radio industry have been rocked by the devastating news, as they take to social media to pay their respects.
Radio veteran Alan Jones also penned a tribute to the “radio legend”.
“Malcolm T revolutionised breakfast radio in Australia, turning it into a formula of fun and satire.”
He said it was “a sad note in the world of broadcasting”.
“He had an impact on a lot of people and made a very significant contribution.”
Other notable figures who remembered the late star included Ray Hadley, who grew up listening to Malcolm before they began working together at 2UE and then 2GB.
“I know in latter years his contribution was mired in controversy, but he revolutionised breakfast radio in Australia back in the 1970s.
“He turned breakfast radio in a formula of fun and satire, aided by the late Tony Dickinson and Peter Shanahan.
“The three of them made radio madcap, cutting edge and fun to listen to.
“He was zany, he was crazy, but it was successful.”
Peter Shanahan also fondly remembers the time he worked with Malcolm at 2UW, saying he was a “trailblazer”.
“When he arrived in Sydney, he made an impact right from the start.”
He told Ray Hadley that it was a tragic end to a brilliant life.
“It is truly very sad what has happened. He was dealing with so many health issues.
“He was a bit unhappy towards the end and I’m very sorry it ended this way.”
Malcom dealt with a number of health problems over the years, having five heart bypasses in 2004.
He was fitted with a pacemaker in 2015 after a heart ablation.