Australian radio star forced to leave mid-show after receiving tragic news

A popular Aussie radio star has left mid-show after receiving news of a death in her family, with her co-host making the announcement.

Australian radio host Jade Robran was forced to leave her breakfast show mid-air after receiving tragic family news.

The Adelaide-based presenter, who co-hosts FIVEAA’s Winter Breakfast show with Tom Rehn, started work Wednesday morning before abruptly disappearing from airwaves around 7am.

It later emerged Jade’s uncle, SA football legend Barrie Robran, had died aged 77, The Advertiser reports.

Barrie, who played 201 games for North Adelaide from 1967 until 1980, is considered one of South Australia’s greatest ever footballers, having played in the South Australian National Football League.

Shortly after the morning news update, Tom revealed Jade had to leave due to a private matter.

FIVEAA radio host Jade Robran was forced to leave the studio live on air after receiving tragic news.

Her co-host Tom Rehn announced the news to listeners.

North Adelaide Football Club legend Barrie Robran has died aged 77. Picture: The Advertiser/ Morgan Sette

“Jade unfortunately has had to go home, there has been some unexpected and very tragic news, there’s been a death in her family,” Tom said.

“Hope you’re OK, Jade, if you’re driving home listening right now.

“Jade, we love you, we hope you’re OK with the rest of the family.

“Hopefully she’ll be back tomorrow. That’s very, very sad news.”

He continued to host the show solo.

It’s not yet known how Barrie died, with his family yet to release a statement.

Barrie, who won the Magarey Medal three times during his career, has a statue at Adelaide Oval in his honour.

Robran co-hosts FIVEAA's Winter Breakfast show with Rehn.

Jade is yet to comment.

The radio host and journalist, who also occasionally presents segments on Channel 7’s Sunrise, has been a roving reporter for FIVEAA since February last year.

She has worked on TV for more than a decade, having presented the AFL Grand Final, Melbourne Cup Carnival and Australian Open over the years.

She is married to 2001 Big Brother winner turned AFL sports agent Ben Williams, with whom she shares two sons.

The pair, who wed in 2008, suffered a terrifying scare this time last year when Ben was involved in a near-fatal motorcycle accident.

Jade and Ben were married in 2008.

The pair suffered a terrifying scare in June 2024, when Williams was involved in a motorbike crash. Picture: Julie Kiriacoudis

Taking to Instagram in June on the one-year anniversary of the incident, Jade said her husband “shouldn’t have survived” the crash in South Australia’s Flinders Range.

“It’s been 365 days since me and the boys got a call to say Ben had been in a motorcycle accident (that he shouldn’t have survived but did),” Jade wrote.

“The following six months was a bit …

“But, we all got through it (you’re a strong, determined bugger big guy) and in a crazy way, we are all better for it and stronger as a unit.”

Originally published as Australian radio star forced to leave mid-show after receiving tragic news