A tribute flag bearing the name of Michael "Pancho" Locke has arrived at Everest Base Camp, carried there by his former Dirty Sanchez co-star Mathew Pritchard as a dedication to the Welsh television personality and entrepreneur. According to BBC News, Pritchard was already undertaking the Himalayan trek when he learned of Locke's death on 6 November 2026, at the age of 47. The Cardiff-based presenter and skateboarder has now committed to returning home to organise a farewell celebration for his friend, having spent the expedition reflecting on more than three and a half decades of shared history.
Pritchard described Locke with deep affection, stating he possessed "the biggest heart and was one of the kindest souls you could ever meet," emphasising that life with him was never monotonous. In a tribute shared during his mountain journey, Pritchard recalled that Locke "was the only person I knew who could make you laugh without even trying." He also revealed that he had recently spent time with Locke at his Port Talbot shop, moments he said he would "always treasure." Writing with evident emotion, Pritchard reflected:
It's almost as if the universe gave us that one last bit of time together before taking him away. I'll always treasure that. I wish I could hear your voice one more time. I miss you, and I'll always love you.
Locke rose to prominence as a stuntman and skateboarder on Dirty Sanchez, the British equivalent of the American Jackass franchise. The MTV show, which featured Locke alongside Pritchard, Lee Dainton and Dan Joyce, originated in Newport and documented the group performing stunts and pranks across the globe. Broadcast between 2003 and 2007, the series reached 64 countries and attracted more than 400 million viewers worldwide.
Beyond his television career, Locke became known in Port Talbot for his role as co-owner of San Portablo, a streetwear brand he established in 2016. His business partner, Nigel Hunt, a former Tata steelworker, spoke to BBC Radio Wales Breakfast about Locke's profound impact on those around him.
He had a brilliant life. He lit up rooms, he lit up the world.Hunt characterised Locke as fiercely devoted to his friends and as someone who actively championed local musicians, comedians and artists within the community.
Hunt recounted how Locke demonstrated his loyalty through consistent support for emerging talent. He described how Locke would travel to small venues across the country to attend open-mic performances, ensuring performers had a friendly presence in the audience. According to The Independent, comedian Sandro Ford recalled that Locke would accompany him to these performances, even when shows went poorly, and would laugh with him on the journey home. Ford dedicated a show in Neath to Locke over the weekend following his death, receiving a standing ovation when he described him as "a legend" and "a good friend" who had supported him throughout his career.
Hunt characterised Locke as "wild," "messy" and "rock and roll," while simultaneously emphasising his role as "an extremely loyal friend" whose influence on Port Talbot's creative community would endure for years. He predicted an "incredible display of love" would emerge in the coming weeks, with musicians, artists and local community members planning various tributes to his memory.
Tributes have proliferated across social media from friends and supporters in Port Talbot. Flowers were placed outside San Portablo in the Aberafan shopping centre, and the brand shared images of a mural created in Locke's honour. The shop closed for the day following the announcement of his death, with the family and business describing him as a father, son, brother, uncle, friend, skater and stuntman.
Fellow Dirty Sanchez cast member Lee Dainton shared his own reflections on Locke's passing, describing how the news had stirred memories of their early days skateboarding together.
When you grow up skating with your friends, you're in your own little world. You never think about losing anyone from it. Since hearing the news, all those memories have been flooding back. I can see Panch, hear the laughter, and remember all the best times like it was yesterday. Then it hits me that he's gone and I still can't believe it.Dainton extended his thoughts to Locke's daughters, family and friends. According to Nine Entertainment, no cause of death had been announced in the days following his passing.
What happens next
As of 9 November 2026, according to People Forever, the family had not released confirmed details regarding funeral or memorial arrangements. The community in Port Talbot and beyond continues to organise tributes to honour Locke's legacy.
