Jimmy Savile, a veteran British broadcaster and DJ famed for his jangling jewellery, garish tracksuits and huge cigars, died on Saturday aged 84, his family said. Platinum-haired Savile was one of the biggest names on British television from the 1960s to the 1980s and also raised millions of pounds (euros, dollars) for charity, while preserving an enigmatic private life.
He died at his home in Leeds, northern England, two of his nephews told reporters outside Savile's flat. His death came after he spent a spell in hospital earlier this month with suspected pneumonia. "It is with deep sadness that I can tell you that our uncle Sir Jimmy Savile passed away quietly in his sleep during the night," said Roger Foster, who was accompanied by his couisin Ian McKenna. "Jimmy was a wonderful man, his public face is well known but we knew him as much more than an uncle, he was a very good friend. Jimmy will be sadly missed by very many people."