Australian idol judge
Springbett, 36, who was found dead in his Sydney apartment on Thursday, was believed to have been troubled after recently splitting from his partner and mother of his two young daughters, Louise McCole, and leaving his job as a Sony Music executive.
"I didn't sit there talking about that with him but he was a troubled person going through some issues," said Sunday Telegraph music writer and former AAP journalist Jonathon Moran.
Police officers found Springbett dead in his Woolloomooloo apartment late on Thursday after "concerned acquaintances" called emergency services when they were unable to contact him.
Paramedics were called but Springbett, who celebrated a birthday on Monday, was already dead when they arrived.
Police say his death is not being treated as suspicious.
Springbett was involved in a range of Australian albums including those by Jessica Mauboy, Human Nature, Stan Walker, Rogue Traders and Natalie Bassingthwaighte.
Moran said the talent scout, who was planning to return to his native UK, would be sorely missed in the music industry.
"He was very likable, very fun to be around, he was the life of the party, and he was very influential," Moran said.
Kyle Sandilands, whom Springbett replaced as a judge on Australian Idol when the 2DayFM breakfast announcer was sacked, said he was shocked at the death, the day after the pair last spoke.
Sandilands was to have met up again with Springbett on Friday.
"Jay Dee was a good bloke," Sandilands said on 2DayFM.
"A lot of people thought that because he took my spot on Idol that we didn't get on but I've known Jay Dee for many, many years and it was just shocking to hear that today.
"Love to his family and all his friends too because it's never a good situation and it feels very strange."
Sony boss Denis Handlin said colleagues at Sony Music were shocked and saddened by Springbett's unexpected death.
"Jay Dee was so very enthusiastic and passionate about his family, his music projects and his plans for the future," Handlin said.
Handlin said Springbett first came to Australia in 2004 and began working for Sony Music artist and repertoire (A&R).
"Jay Dee was a great friend and larger than life charismatic character who will be missed enormously," he said.
Former Australian Idol host Andrew Gunsberg was another taken by surprise at the tragic news.
"I'm completely sidelined by the news of Jay Dee Springbett's death. My deepest thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues," he tweeted.
Ten also said the network was saddened by the news.
"Our heartfelt condolences go out to Jay Dee's family at this very difficult time," it said in a statement.
"Jay Dee was an asset to the final season of Australian Idol, we feel honoured to have worked with him."
A spokesman for FremantleMedia, which produced Australian Idol, also said his former colleagues were upset to hear of Springbett's death.
"The Australian Idol family is deeply saddened by the passing of Jay Dee," he said.
"Our thoughts are with his family and all at Sony Music."
Source: yahoo
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