Mark Pilgrim, a seasoned radio and television personality, died at the age of 53 from stage 4 lung cancer. Pilgrim announced his condition, which had expanded to other places, in March 2022, and began a YouTube video series detailing his recovery process. Prior to his death, he was a presenter at HOT 102.7FM from Monday to Saturday, but he had to step away from the mike owing to recent health difficulties. In his last struggle, he was diagnosed with and overcame severe Stage 3 testicular cancer in 1988. Pilgrim leaves behind two kids, Tayla-Jean and Alyssa, as well as his fiancée, Adrienne Watkins. He died quietly at home, surrounded by his loved ones.
HOT 102.7FM’s Managing Director, Lloyd Madurai, announced the news in an online post, stating:
Our hero and brother and much loved radio personality Mark Pilgrim lost his battle with cancer this morning at 10:45,” He fought valiantly to the very end. Mark passed peacefully with his fiancé Adrienne at home. They were together for his last breath. The family thank you for being part of his journey. For loving him and for celebrating him and supporting him always. Mark will be greatly missed by all. May his soul rest in peace.
Pilgrim was well-known for presenting a number of radio programmes on 5FM, 94.7 Highveld Stereo, 94.5 Kfm, Hot919, and Hot102.7fm. On his seventh round of chemotherapy in July, he reported that his newest scans indicated “a further substantial reduction in the tumors (in size and intensity).” In September, he also had a lung collapse, which caused a slew of complications. Pilgrim endured several surgical surgeries in October and November to treat the collapsed lung, and he spent weeks in the intensive care unit recuperating.
His honesty and battling spirit inspired many as he shared his journey on social media, and his passing has prompted an outpouring of sympathy. At the beginning of the year, Pilgrim proposed to his partner, Adrianne Watkins, and his family expressed gratitude to his friends and fans.
Mark Pilgrim’s death is a tremendous loss to South Africa’s media business, and he will be remembered for his contributions to radio and television.
