Melbourne radio host Craig “Huggy” Huggins announced that his mother has died from COVID-19 in an emotional on-air statement on Tuesday which ended with a plea for people to comply with lockdown measures.
Huggins, who was worked with Gold 104.3 for 29 years, shared the devastating news with his listeners, urging them to “do the right thing”.
He said he was finishing early after receiving a call that his elderly mother had died in a nursing home on Tuesday.
“Through Gold 104.3 I’ve always felt that you and I have had that sort of relationship where we can tell each other anything,’’ said Huggins, who presents the radio show weekdays from 9am-12pm.
“So I want to tell you that I’m finishing early today. In fact I’m going home right now.
“Sadly I’ve just received a call to let me know that my elderly mum Joyce has passed away at a nursing home with COVID-19.
“There’s no need to ring me, I know your thoughts are with me and my family.
“But I just want to ask you to be careful. Wear your mask, social distance and do the right thing. Many people don’t know anyone that’s had the virus, but now you do — Huggy’s mum. Stay safe and I’ll be back in a new few days.”
On Monday, Huggings let his audience know that his mother’s condition was deteriorating.
On Tuesday, he said he wanted to remain honest.
“You and I have known each other a long time,’’ he said.
“I’ve been here since the very beginning of GOLD 104.3. You’ve shared the highs and lows, my two beautiful children being born, my wife having a cancer in her lip removed, my debilitating back injury.
“I’ve spoken about moving house. Becoming a godfather, my dad passing away five years ago and my kids doing year 12,” he said before sharing the news.
There are now 769 active cases linked to nursing homes in the state, with the majority of the rising death toll now affecting seniors living in aged care.
