Dirty Sanchez star Mike 'Pancho' Locke dies aged 47
Dirty Sanchez star Mike 'Pancho' Locke has died aged 47, with the former MTV stuntman and skateboarder remembered as an "absolute Welsh treasure" following his death.
Dirty Sanchez star Mike 'Pancho' Locke has died at the age of 47.
The former stuntman and skateboarder, who shot to fame on the cult MTV prank show alongside Matthew Pritchard, Lee Dainton and Dan Joyce, has been remembered as an "absolute Welsh treasure" following the news of his death.
His passing was announced on Friday (11.06.26).
An Instagram post on the official account of Welsh clothing brand San Portablo, which he co-owned alongside his close friend and company founder Nigel Hunt, read: "It is with profound sadness
That San Portablo and the Locke family
Write of the passing of the father, son, brother, Uncle, friend, skater, stunt man
and all Round Goodfella
Micheal Richard Locke
Affectionately known as Pancho to the world
An absolute Welsh Treasure
And San Portablo King
His brilliance we are sure
Will still shine through
Far wide high low and across the seven seas
He lived an incredible life
And lit up the world with his charm..
The shop will be closed today
Rest In Peace brother
Your legend will never cease
It will only gain momentum"
Mike became a familiar face to MTV viewers through Dirty Sanchez, which followed a group of Welsh friends performing outrageous stunts, dangerous pranks and painful challenges.
The series, which first aired in 2003, became a cult favorite thanks to its extreme antics and the close friendship between its stars.
The show's success also led to the 2006 film Dirty Sanchez: The Movie, which saw the group take their outrageous stunts around the world.
In recent years, Mike had turned his attention toward supporting San Portablo, a clothing brand celebrating the Welsh town of Port Talbot.
The business was founded by Nigel after he lost his job at the local steelworks, and Mike was passionate about helping put their hometown on the map.
Speaking to WalesOnline earlier this year, he said: "It's the key to celebrating us, and the town and not being seen as this pass-through town that's hiding in the shadow of the steelworks.
"It's really tragic what's happened to the steelworks. My heart goes out to all the people who lost their jobs there, but at this moment in time the town is shining bright, and it's moving through a cultural phenomenon really."
Mike's death comes as his former Dirty Sanchez co-star Matthew Pritchard has been reflecting on his own life after leaving behind years of heavy partying.
The 53-year-old stunt performer recently spoke about celebrating four years of sobriety and finding happiness after struggling with addiction.
He also revealed how the death of his beloved dog Lemmy earlier this year had tested his resolve to stay sober.
