Please note: The official statement given to the Bendigo Advertiser was that Mr Alexander died in his sleep. Until an autopsy is performed the official cause of death is unknown.A HAPPY-go-lucky sports fanatic is how mate Travis Fitzgibbon remembers Dale Alexander.
Well-known Bendigo sporting radio broadcaster Alexander died in his sleep overnight on Monday, aged 34.
Alexander had worked for community radio station 101.5 Fresh FM as its breakfast show host for the past eight years, production manager, lead caller at Bendigo Spirit WNBL games and chairman of the station’s board.
As well as his dedicated work on the Fresh FM airwaves, Alexander’s sporting passions included Essendon (AFL), Melbourne Storm (NRL), Melbourne Victory (A League) and Fulham (English soccer).
“He loved his sport... that’s what he was most passionate about, other than his family and mates,” Fitzgibbon said yesterday.
“He was one of those blokes who loved most sports and followed lots of different teams, both in Australia and overseas.
“And he was the kind of guy who liked to have sporting traditions with mates.
“He’d have a mate he’d go and watch Essendon and Calton with each year, and another mate who he’d go to watch Essendon and St Kilda with, and he’d go to the Cox Plate each year with a group of mates.
“If he finished work early, you’d get a text message from him saying, ‘I’m on the couch watching sport, come over’.
“There would always be something on that he’d love to watch.”
Alexander was also an enthusiastic supporter of the Bendigo Spirit and headed up Fresh FM’s commentary of the side’s home games.
As a mark of respect, the Spirit will wear black arm bands in their game at the Bendigo Stadium against the Adelaide Lightning on Saturday night.
Fitzgibbon said the loss of Alexander would leave a big hole at Fresh FM, particularly during the busy football season, where Alexander would studio produce the broadcast match and keep listeners – like myself – up to date with around the ground scores from central Victorian leagues.
“There’s no doubt it’s a massive loss and it’s going to take a lot of juggling around to get the mix right, particularly when we get to football season,” said Fitzgibbon, who had co-hosted a Tuesday night sports show on Fresh FM with Alexander for the past four years.
“He was someone who could work both at the ground or in the studio, so it’s going to take a bit of training to get someone else up to speed.”
As a tribute to Alexander, Fresh FM is considering naming its weekly Bendigo Football League player of the day in his honour.
However, Alexander was not just known for his work with Fresh FM. He had also been a popular DJ at various Bendigo nightspots during his 20s.
“He was very popular in that scene during those days,” Fitzgibbon said.
“He was one of those blokes who loved a beer, a bet and a bit of a joke and a lot of people really warmed to him. He loved a good time and will be sadly missed.”
A funeral service for Alexander will be held at the William Farmer Victoria Street Chapel in Eaglehawk from 1pm next Tuesday.
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