Former editor’s death a shock

Former editor of the South Western Times, Andy van Dijk, has died at the age of 59.

Mr van Dijk is believed to have had a heart attack on Saturday night while at a gym before being taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Mr van Dijk’s brother Peter said the death was a shock to the family.

“It was a surprise to all of us,” he said.

“There was no sign that he was ill or anything like that.

“He was still working with BHP – I guess you would say he was working in cyber security.”

Peter said the family was still working out the details of Mr van Dijk’s funeral.

“At this stage we are not sure when the funeral will be,” he said.

“It will be next week some time, but certainly not this week.”

Mr van Dijk was the editor of the Times in the 1990s.