The music industry is mourning the death of BBC Wales journalist James McLaren, who died in a collision on the M48 motorway between Magor and Chepstow this morning.
It is believed that Cardiff born McLaren, 34, who ran a blog on music for BBC Wales and had been writing about Welsh music for almost 15 years, was outside his car when the collision occurred.
Tributes have been posted on Twitter from various industry bodies and figures.
Radio 1 DJ Huw Stephens said he was "sorry and saddened" to hear of Mr McLaren's death and fellow BBC DJ Bethan Elfyn wrote: "RIP James".
Kerrang! editor James McMahon said: "RIP James, a true friend of Kerrang!" before adding later that the news had "slayed" him.
The South Wales band Bedford Falls said: "James McLaren was a great friend to this band and to the Welsh music scene in general and will be greatly missed."
The Independent on Sunday's pop critic Simon Price said: "Absolutely devastated by this news. James McLaren was an excellent journalist, and a truly lovely man. I had the pleasure to work with him several times over the years, whether Manics-related or otherwise, and I can't think of many people who can claim to have done more than James to promote Welsh music. We've really lost one of the good guys. RIP."
In a fuller statement the Welsh Music Foundation said: "We at Welsh Music Foundation are shocked and saddened to hear of the death of James McLaren.
"James was one of the original WMF team - creating, editing and managing our monthly newsletter 'Sound Nation'. His passion poured out of every issue, and with his energy, skill and enthusiasm he quickly became a popular figure in the Welsh music industry.
"When he moved on to work for BBC Wales he continued to promote the music in Wales that he cared so much for. He remained a close friend of WMF, working with us on many projects, most memorably a wonderful Q&A with The Blackout in their hometown at last year's Merthyr Rock festival.
"In that session James' knowledge and passion for the subject, coupled with his camaraderie with the band, and his desire to excite all those watching, was an inspiration for all. It's a memory we will treasure of a man who we will miss enormously.
"Our thoughts are with his family and friends."
"At all times his intelligence and his good humour shone through. He was a gentleman who will be sadly missed by all of those lucky to have known him.
"RIP James."
Source: Wales Online
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