Ukhozi FM sports presenter Irvin "DJ Amen" Sihlophe, who joined the station in 2015, has passed away after suffering a stroke. A colleague and close friend confirmed to ZiMoja that DJ Amen was hospitalised for more than a week, following a stroke triggered by stress and other underlying illnesses.

REST IN PEACE

Ukhozi FM presenters struggled to speak on air this morning after hearing the news of the passing of their colleague. Ukhozi FM station manager, Sbongi Ngcobo confirmed DJ Amen's passing on air saying it was a grave loss to the station, listeners and his family. "We are saddened by the passing of one of our own,' she said. "We have been praying for his recovery. We wish to pass our condolences to his family, colleagues, fans and listeners. He will be dearly missed."

FALLING ILL

One of the DJ's friends told ZiMoja that DJ Amen fell ill and could not speak or move after leaving work about two weeks ago. "He started feeling ill at work but I did not make sense of it until he couldn't speak. He was then rushed to the hospital and doctors admitted him for a few days. He remained in medical care," The close friend, who had been visiting and checking up on the radio host said. "He was making steady progress at a Durban hospital. Things were looking good last week, he had gained strength again and fighting. We were shocked when we heard the news of his passing this morning," the friend told ZiMoja.

CELEBRITIES WHO HAVE SUFFERED FROM A STROKE

A stroke is when there is damage to the brain from interruption of its blood supply occurs. It is a medical emergency with symptoms such as numbness of the face, leg, or arms and trouble walking and talking. Many young and middle-aged people may look and feel healthy and think they are safe from major cardiovascular events. But new research shows the rate of stroke has been steadily rising among people younger than 49. Celebrities who have suffered a stroke include singer Lira, while performing in Germany in 2022. In 2022, Kwaito star, L'vovo Derrango was admitted to hospital after he suffered a stroke during a performance in Ndwedwe, KwaZulu-Natal. He has been on the road to recovery. In December 2022, Big Nuz member Mampintsha died after the star suffered a stroke.