Sue Baker, a former host of Top Gear, passed away at the age of 67 following a battle with motor neurone disease.
The 1980s television icon passed away on Monday morning “with family around her,” according to her relatives.
Baker debuted on more than 100 episodes of the BBC programme Top Gear before departing in 1991. Jeremy Clarkson later took over Baker’s position. Baker began Series 4 of Top Gear in 1980.
“We share the news of Sue’s loss with a great deal of sadness,” her family said.
“A doting mother to Ian and Hannah, a loving grandmother to Tom and George, a wonderful mother-in-law to Lucy.
“She passed at home this morning with family around her.”
They called Baker “a gifted and prolific writer, an engaging TV host, and a fervent animal lover.”
“She had a life and career that many would envy, but did it all with such grace that she was admired and respected by all who knew her,” they said.
“We know she meant so much to so many.
“Thank you to everyone who has supported her over the last few years as she battled with MND.”
In order to continue her career as a motoring writer, Baker departed Top Gear in 1991.
She founded and oversaw the operation of the Motor Racing News Service, which was situated at Brands Hatch in Kent.
She worked as the motoring editor of the Observer for 13 years before leaving in 1995.
Tributes have poured in for Baker – with many describing her as a “trailblazer for women”.
The Guild of Motoring Writers said: “We are deeply saddened to learn our vice-president and former chair, @carscribe Sue Baker, passed away this morning following a long illness.
“Sue was a pioneer for women in automotive journalism and a former presenter of @BBC_TopGear. A full tribute will be published later.”
Geraldine Herbert, motoring editor for the Sunday Independent in Ireland, said: “I am deeply saddened to hear of the death of Sue Baker.
“She was a wonderful person, a brilliant journalist, and a dear friend. A former Top Gear presenter and motoring editor at the Observer, she blazed a trail for women in a man’s world.”
Motoring journalist Alex Grant said: “Sue was an absolute pleasure on events, and so welcoming and approachable as an industry newbie. My condolences to her family, she will be sorely missed.”
