Johannesburg – Top media strategist Gordon Patterson has been killed in Johannesburg.
Many people expressed their condolences and heartbreak on Twitter, although the exact circumstances surrounding his death are not yet clear. Some people speculated that he had been shot in his driveway in an attempted hijacking.
Police were still unable to confirm how Patterson was killed.
A colleague and friend of Patterson, Sandra Gordon, confirmed his death to News24.
"Gordon was a forthright, kind and selfless person. He mentored and cared about young media people. Encouraging and motivating in a gentle and wise way. He kept his friends close and enjoyed a wide circle of close colleagues. His contribution to the media sector is as profound as his love of deep sea diving and life in general .
"He served on numerous industry bodies, volunteering his time, energy and counsel. At all times a professional media man who will never be forgotten."
People also flooded the Facebook account of Patterson's wife, Sonja, to send their condolences.
Patterson was a global media and marketing professional, with over 25 years' experience in the industry.
He was on the board of the Audit Bureau of Circulation, and was vice-chairperson of Advertising Media Association of South Africa.
He founded media and advertising SMV Group in South Africa in April 2000.
