Tributes have been flowing this morning for Adrian Thomas, aka DJ Ajax, arguably Australia's most influential DJ and widely considered its best.
The Age reports that Thomas ran onto a road in Melbourne's inner north and was struck by a truck in the early hours of Thursday morning. He was reportedly celebrating his birthday. Police have confirmed a pedestrian was killed when he was struck by a truck in Parkville.
One of the founding members of the Bang Gang crew — and the founder of record label Sweat It Out!, which released 'We No Speak Americano', among other dance floor perennials — the 42-year-old has incredibly been voted one of Australia's top five DJs in the inthemix 50 poll every year since 2005, taking out top honours in 2006 and 2007.
As you'd expect, tributes from industry luminaries and fans have flooded Twitter:
RIP to Ajax, my thoughts are with all the Australian homies, I can't believe this. Such a warm and generous dude, a real leader.
— Krazee Eyez Killa (@atrak) February 28, 2013
If you're a DJ and you ever toured Australia chances are you knew Ajax, he was like the ambassador. Much love to the Banggang homies.
— Krazee Eyez Killa (@atrak) February 28, 2013
Last week we told Ajax he influenced us to get into music. We celebrated signing to Sweat it out. He was so passionate. A genuine legend.RIP
— RUFUS (@rufussounds) February 28, 2013
RIP Australia's DJ Ajax. A friend and a great guy. fb.me/2hQQpU7sy
— StantonWarriors (@StantonWarriors) February 28, 2013
Rest In Peace Ajax. we Lost One of The Best Dj On Earth. Thinking About His Family and His Friends. We Gonna Miss You Man <3
— Louis Brodinski (@Brodinski) February 28, 2013
Can't believe this has happened. So long Ajax.. Thanks for the good tunes, good times & good vibes.. Love you homie, RIP Dance Legend..
— bag raiders (@bag_raiders) February 28, 2013
Ajax. Quite a legend. The one who always kept the vibes going in Australia, both on the music scene and also as an all round good bloke. RIP
— Fake Blood (@IamFakeBlood) February 28, 2013
I can't believe it.... RIP Ajax. thank you so much for the good times. instagr.am/p/WSG7exMtke/
— Surkin (@Surkin) February 28, 2013
i can not believe the news that our good aussie friend Adrian DJ Ajax has passed away :( thank you for all the joy you gave us**RIP**
— Boys Noize(@boysnoize) February 28, 2013
Dj Ajax was the first guy who brought me down to Sydney to DJ together with him in 2006. he was an outstanding DJ, amazing skills
— Boys Noize(@boysnoize) February 28, 2013
Heart breaking news about Ajax.A genuine talent with such a warm, happy soul...You will be so greatly missed
— Jack Beats (@jackbeats) February 28, 2013
My heart just sank. RIP DJ Ajax. One of the best DJs I've ever known & an amazing human being. Love & deepest condolences to the Aussie fam.
— davenada (@davenada) February 28, 2013
RIP AJAX.vivid memory of us leaving a hotel one morning, and him not realizing he had no shoes on until we were outside
— JFK MSTRKRFT (@jfkmstrkrft) February 28, 2013
Saddened to hear about the passing of Dj Ajax. RIP
— erol alkan (@erolalkan) February 28, 2013
RIP to the dance legend AJAX... you'll be missed. You made the world a better place
— Grant Smillie (@grantsmillie) February 28, 2013
Truly saddened by the news that one of Australia's most talented DJs, Ajax, has died. My thoughts go to his friends and family #RIPajax
— Danny Clayton (@DannyjClayton) February 28, 2013
R.I.P. Ajax, you'll be missed. Stay tuned for a classic track this morning, we'll be playing one from his early work. #ajax
— FBi Radio (@fbiradio) February 28, 2013
Ajax is dead? Oh fuck this. Bang Gang for life.
— Lee Smart (@VonBayce) February 28, 2013
RIP Adrian. You were a wonderful man and a treasured part of our music scene. #ripajax
— Simon Keck (@simonkeck) February 28, 2013
Awful news from home about the tragic passing of DJ Ajax. RIP #legend #BangGang #SweatItOut
— Sgt Slick (@sgt_slick) February 28, 2013
Adrian, you will be missed… / such a huge loss / such a massive talent… in shock about this right now. #RIPajax
— Phil Jamieson (@philjamieson) February 28, 2013
I remember when I used to listen to the Bang Gang Show, few years ago. It was absolutely huge. Oz lose one of his best DJ. RIP Ajax.
— don rimini (@donrimini) February 28, 2013
Very sad news about Ajax passing. My condolences to the Bang Gang, Sweat it Out crew, and everyone else feeling bummed out right now
— Jeremiah Neoteric (@neoteric) February 28, 2013
R.I.P DJ Ajax .....was a good man and a world-class DJ...terrible news to wake up to...thinking of my Bang Gang homies on this rainy day.
— The Tongue (@TheTongueIsDead) February 28, 2013
RIP Dj Ajax, a true legend. Very glad our paths have crossed!
— Mightyfools (@Mightyfools) February 28, 2013
RIP Ajax, shocking news.
— Yacht Club Djs (@YachtClubDJs) February 28, 2013
#RIPAJAX. Not only an incredible musician, but a legendary human being. Dirty nightclub dancefloors will not be same without you.
— Camilla Mary-Rose (@CamillaMaryRose) February 28, 2013
Going through video teasers Ajax posted this month of new EP. Guy was really on the edge of something musically. What a goddamn shame.
— Rachael(@strictlyandlow) February 28, 2013
