The following messages of condolence have been posted by BBC Alumni Network members (ex-BBC staff community) to our Facebook group. I am truly sorry for your tragic loss. Sending our love, condolences and warmest wishes to Gareth's family and friends, Natasha Maclean (BBC Alumni Relations Manager) Isabel Cosgrove Hatcher Oh no, I remember him well. What sad news. Jane D Bowden How dreadful. Lovely man. Heartfelt condolences Caroline Roberts So tragic. A lovely man. Rita Payne Terribly, terribly sad. Please pass on my condolences to his family. Fiona McKenzie How very sad! Lovely man. How awful for his family. Tim Manning It's very, very sad news. I moved to BH to work as part of Gareth's team soon after he joined the BBC. He was inspiring, challenging, and great to work with. Andy Griffee Great guy Sara Geater How awful - he was a lovely man and really good. I liked the way he approached the world, we always had interesting conversations. My thoughts are with his family. I’m so sorry. Xx Russell Grossman Joan Keevill I worked directly for Gareth for two years. Such tragic news. Catherine Hastings This is awful news. I knew Gareth not only from his time at the BBC, but previously he was an academic at London Business School. Devastating. Mike Philpott So sad to read this. I became acquainted with Gareth during my time on the BBC forum. He succeeded Margaret Salmon as Director of HR and was like a breath of fresh air! Gareth was a charismatic man who was one who many would naturally follow as a leader. He had time for everyone, irrespective of their position and would listen and engage with their points of view. He exhibited palpable wisdom that was persuasive and easy to follow. He was head and shoulders above many of the other BBC directors of that time. Sadly for the BBC he did not stay for long returned to his career in academia. His seeming demise is consistent with his character. Helping others. Very sad. Sally Osman It is tragic. Gareth was such a great force for change and for good and bringing out the best in people. Jane Root A great guy. Saskia Hayward - Soni My thoughts are with his family, what a tragedy Sally Rees So so sad. Thoughts are with his family Pauline Canham That’s so tragic. Thoughts and prayers with his family. Lynn Powell Very Sad news. My thoughts are with his family. Pris Monticelli Very sad news. My thoughts are with his family.