James McLaren one of Wales’ fiercest champions of Welsh music has died as a result of a collision on the M48 motorway between Magor and Chepstow at approximately 10.20am yesterday. It is understood that James was outside his car when the collision occurred.
James McLaren, 34, who lived in Pontcanna, Cardiff was a well known figure in the area exercising his two beloved dogs on a regular basis.
James, born in Evesham in 1978 came to Cardiff to study at Cardiff University and it did not take him long to discover Wales’ vibrant music scene
James was one of the original Welsh Music Foundation team – creating, editing and managing their monthly newsletter ‘Sound Nation’.
After moving to BBC Wales, James worked on their on-line digital content and running his own blog on the BBC Wales website.
Dom Atreides, editor of Welsh Icons said:
“This is a tragic loss for Welsh Music. I was only having a drink with James the other day. He was a great writer with a wicked sense of humour, a lover of all kinds of music and a keen photographer.
“My thoughts go out to his girlfriend and family”.
Gwent Police are asking that anyone with any information should contact their Collision Investigation Unit on 01633 642404.
