The 27-year-old son of entertainer Red Symons has died, after a long battle with cancer.

The death of Samuel Symons was announced in statements read out on Melbourne radio on Wednesday morning.

“It is with the deepest sadness Red announces the passing of his beautiful son Samuel Symons,” 3AW host Neil Mitchell said.

“Samuel passed peacefully overnight surrounded by his family.”

Symons, a former ABC radio presenter, TV regular and Skyhooks guitarist, is also a regular on 3AW.

Samuel Symons was first diagnosed with a brain tumour at the age of four. In 2010, he shared his life story with ABC TV’s Australian Story.

In May, Samuel’s work with cancer patients was recognised with an outstanding achievement by a young volunteer award at Victoria’s Minister for Health Volunteer Awards ceremony.

Mitchell expressed his sympathy to Symons and his family.

“In his short time on this program, Red has become very much loved, and he has been very much loved in this town for a long time,” he said.

“He is a delightful, friendly, engaging man, and I feel for his family going through this.”

Symons’ former ABC radio colleague Jon Faine also read out the same statement.

He said Samuel had worked hard to try to improve how the medical system supported young patients with serious illnesses.

“He became a terrific contributor to ethics committees and policy making in the healthcare system, whilst he was juggling his own studies and work and other commitments,” an emotional Faine said during his own morning broadcast.

“I spoke to Red just last week, twice at length, saw him the week before … big hug to you, mate.”