Matthew Pritchard paid tribute to his Dirty Sanchez co-star Mike ‘Pancho’ Locke after receiving the devastating news of his death
Matthew Pritchard has paid an emotional tribute to his long-time friend, Mike “Pancho” Locke following the sad news of his death aged 47. The duo starred alongside each other on hit MTV stunt and prank show Dirty Sanchez, alongside Lee Dainton and Dan Joyce.
But Pritchard’s affiliation with Pancho spanned much further back, as he told followers he must have known him for around 35 years. In his heart breaking comments part way through his Mount Everest trek, Pritchard said he received a text from his friend to ring him following “urgent news”.
He admitted he had a feeling her knew the devastating news that was coming. In his message, that he shared on Instagram, Pritchard, 53, said: “My little friend of over 35 years has left the building, and it’s it was quite shocking, if I’m honest, to wake up to it this morning.”
Saying he is going to miss his pal, he continued: ” I’m on my way to Everest base camp, so as of now, I will dedicate this base camp trip to the memory of Panch.”
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Pritchard went on to regale tales from their times together over the years, both in skate competitions and on screen.
“Now he’s now he’s gone,”he went on. “But I’ll never forget him. Panch was the best. Love you, Panch. And now this Everest base camp is in your memory. Rest in peace.”
Pancho’s family shared the sad news of his death on social media. They wrote: “It is with profound sadness that San Portablo and the Locke family write of the passing of the father, son, brother, uncle, friend, skater, stuntman 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.”
The news shocked fans online, who quickly paid their respects to the star who rose to fame on the “UK Jackass”.
One user wrote: “From Port Talbot streets to the MTV screen, You lived through the madness like nobody else seen. The heart of the chaos, the punchline, the pain, With a laugh and a wince that we’ll look for in vain. You took every stunt and you took every fall, With a grin on your face through the thick and the thin, A legend of mayhem who gave it his all, Now rest up, good Pancho, where the chaos ends! My thoughts are with his family, friends, and fans mourning his loss today.”
And stand-up comedian Sando Ford wrote: “Devastating news on the passing of Mike (Pancho). People might know him from the TV stuff, but he was much more than that; he was a clever, hilarious, and loyal person.
“He and Nigel backed me from my early days of stand-up, telling people to come to the shows I ran early on in the Surge, the Red Lion, and Afan Ales. They didn’t expect anything in return, just doing it because they wanted to and believed in me.
“He would also travel to open mics with me just to watch me die on my ass and laugh about it on the way home. Sending my love to his family, Nigel, and the gang at San Portablo.”
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