Much-loved radio and TV star Red Symons and his family have revealed his son has died at the age of 27 after a lifelong battle with cancer.

Samuel Symons was first diagnosed with brain cancer when he was just four-years old and had recently been receiving treatment after the recurrence of the aggressive tumour.

The family have now released a heartbreaking statement on 3AW on Wednesday, remembering him as a “beautiful son”.

“It is with the deepest sadness Red announces the passing of his beautiful son Samuel Symons. Samuel passed peacefully overnight surrounded by his family,” they said.

“We ask that you please respect the privacy of Red and his family at this very sad and difficult time.”

Tributes are pouring in on social media with one fan writing: “So sad to hear that Red Symons’ son Samuel has just passed away, after many years of cancer battles. Jon Faine teary and distressed announcing it on air.”

Meanwhile, another Twitter user praised ABC radio star Jon Faine – who is a close friend of Symons – after he broke down in tears on air while relaying the devastating news to his readers. 

“#ThisIsAustralia A beautiful tribute to Samuel, from Jon #Faine on @abcmelbourne, on the news his close friend Red Symons son has died overnight,” he wrote.

Reading out the statement to listeners on 3AW, host Neil Mitchell expressed his sympathy and added: “In his short time on this program, Red has become very much loved, and he has been very much loved in this town for a long time.

“He is a delightful, friendly, engaging man, and I feel for his family going through this.”

Samuel was awarded the Outstanding Achievement by a Young Volunteer Award at the Minister for Health Volunteer Awards in May for his life-long work and campaigning for people living with cancer. 

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