Former US shock jock and media personality, Don Imus, has passed away from complications from lung disease.
 
Imus had been hospitalised on Christmas Eve and died on Friday morning at the age of 79.
 
He began his radio career in 1968, joining WNBC in 1971, syndicating his show nationally in 1993.
 
Known for his acid tongue and controversial and provocative opinions, in 2001 he was included in Time magazines list of the 25 most influential Americans, and he was a member of the National Broadcasting Hall of Fame.
 
His nationally syndicated radio show, Imus in the morning, was cancelled by CBS in 2007 following public outcry over a racist comment he made about the Rutgers University women’s basketball team.
 
Despite apologising for the comment, Imus was widely criticised by civil rights groups.
 
Diagnosed with stage 2 prostate cancer in 2009, Imus finally retired from radio in 2018
 
He is survived by his wife Deirdre and six children, and the family will host a small, private funeral.