Geelong DJ, videographer Mitch Pilgrim AKA DJ Mitch suddenly dies, aged 53

A Geelong videographer and DJ is being remembered as a generous man with infectious energy, after he suffered a medical episode while playing table tennis.

Mitch Pilgrim died suddenly last week, aged 53. Picture: Supplied

A beloved Geelong videographer and DJ is being remembered as a generous man with a beautiful soul after he died unexpectedly last week.

Mitch Pilgrim, 53, was taken off life support on Wednesday after he suffered a cardiac arrest.

His sister, Dee Cooper, said her brother had been playing table tennis the evening before when he started to feel unwell and having chest pains.

“He looked so pale so they called paramedics,” she said.

Intensive care paramedics rushed Pilgrim to Geelong hospital where he went into cardiac arrest.

He was taken to the cardiology unit and placed on life support but his family made the difficult decision to turn it off in the early hours of Wednesday.

Ms Cooper described her brother as a generous person who would help anybody.

“He was a beautiful soul and everyone loved him,” she said.

Tributes are flowing for Geelong’s Mitch Pilgrim AKA DJ Mitch after he suddenly died last week. Picture: Supplied

Pilgrim was a popular videographer, DJ and MC across Greater Geelong and Melbourne.

He started as a wedding photographer, following in the footsteps of his dad Bill Pilgrim.

He previously hosted a community radio program with The Pulse which led to his DJ and MCing career.

“He was always good with a microphone,” Ms Cooper said.

“He had a passionate for anything in media.

“He worked with children’s charities and loved being a part of the discos and events for kids.

“He also did lots of weddings and other events.”

Pilgrim would regularly DJ and MC events for Geelong organisation Friend In Me, which promotes social inclusion among kids.

Founder Louise Larkin said it was “terrible” to hear Pilgrim had died.

“He was a workhorse, he would be booked at so many events back to back, he charged near to nothing because he just wanted to do good,” she said.

“His energy was infectious and he was heavily involved in the community.

“He was a little bit quirky but lovely and if you asked for something he would say yes and bend over backwards.

“He was amazing with the kids, especially with my crew who have special needs and he really knew how to include them.”

Ms Cooper said her family had been “overwhelmed” by the outpouring of love on social media following her brother’s death.

“I hope he knows how much he was respected,” she said.

“The tributes he has been receiving has blown us away.

“He was there for lots of special moments and he was a part of people’s best memories.”

Pilgrim is survived by his mother, Vonnie Pilgrim, and his four siblings.

His life will be celebrated at a memorial service, with details yet to be announced.

Originally published as Geelong DJ, videographer Mitch Pilgrim AKA DJ Mitch suddenly dies, aged 53