A star of a cult hit MTV UK series from the 2000s has died at the age of 47.
Videos by Wide Open Country
The family of Mike "Pancho" Locke shared the sad news earlier today on social media. Locke, along with Mathew Pritchard, Lee Dainton, and Dan Joyce, starred in Dirty Sanchez, which was along the lines of a gonzo stunt show like Jackass. The show, which kicked off in 2003, ran for 4 seasons and enjoyed 2 spinoffs and a live stage show. It also spawned a film, Dirty Sanchez: The Movie, in 2006.
Locke went on to enjoy success in the fashion industry, founding the clothing brand San Portablo with his friend, Nigel Hunt.
The Welsh streetwear brand posted a message on Instagram from Locke's family earlier today (Nov. 6) confirming the MTV star's death.
"It is with profound sadness that San Portablo and the Locke family write of the passing of the father, son, brother, uncle, friend, skater, stuntman, and all-round goodfella Michael Richard Locke," the caption read alongside a recent snapshot of Locke. "Affectionately known as Pancho to the world, an absolute Welsh Treasure and San Portablo King."
"His brilliance we are sure will still shine through far wide high low and across the seven seas. He lived an incredible life and lit up the world with his charm," the post concluded.
Locke's cause of death was not provided.
Co-stars Pay Tribute to Mike "Pancho" Locke
The MTV alum's co-stars took to social media to pay tribute to Locke in the wake of his passing.
"I love you Panch, until we meet again rest in power," Pritchard wrote on Instagram, per The Independent.
"When you grow up skating with your friends you're in your own little world," Dainton wrote alongside a series of shots featuring Locke." You never think about losing anyone from it. In your head those days and the people you shared them with live forever. Since hearing the news all those memories have been flooding back."
"I can see Panch hear the laughter and remember all the best times like it was yesterday," he added. "Then it hits me that he's gone and I still can't believe it."
Dainton also looked back fondly on their Dirty Sanchez spinoff, Pritchard vs. Dainton.
"We decided to give him his own section without telling him," Dainton shared. "Premiere night came and his name appeared on screen, Dean Martin's 'That's Amore' kicked in and the whole cinema erupted. Panch had absolutely no idea. It was brilliant and he was made up. A newspaper wrote 'A star was born'."
Mike "Pancho" Locke was 47.
