WALES, November 6, 2026 — Mike “Pancho” Locke, the Welsh stuntman and skateboarder whose outrageous antics on MTV’s cult show Dirty Sanchez entertained a generation, has died aged 47. His family announced the news on Friday, prompting an outpouring of tributes from friends, fellow entertainers and fans.
Known for his fearless stunts, unpredictable humour and extraordinary tolerance for pain, Locke became one of the most recognisable personalities on British television during the early 2000s. But away from the cameras, he was also a father of two and a much-loved member of the South Wales skateboarding community.
The cause of his death has not been publicly confirmed.
Mike ‘Pancho’ Locke’s Family Confirms His Death
The announcement was shared through San Portablo, a clothing brand and shop in Port Talbot associated with Locke and his longtime friend Nigel Hunt.
In an emotional statement, his family remembered him as a father, son, brother, uncle, friend, skateboarder and stuntman, describing him as an “absolute Welsh treasure” and a “San Portablo King”.
The tribute celebrated his adventurous life, unforgettable personality and the friendships he built over the years.
The message ended with the words “Rest In Peace brother”, reflecting the grief felt by those closest to him.
San Portablo also announced that its shop would close for the day following his death.
According to Nation.Cymru, Locke’s passing has left friends and members of the local community mourning a man whose popularity extended far beyond television.
Latest update: As of November 6, his family has not disclosed the cause of death or announced funeral arrangements.
Who Was Mike ‘Pancho’ Locke? Dirty Sanchez Career and Tributes
Born Michael Richard Locke in Neath, Wales, on March 13, 1979, Pancho developed a passion for skateboarding long before becoming famous on MTV.
His breakthrough came in 2003 when Dirty Sanchez premiered, featuring Locke alongside Mathew Pritchard, Lee Dainton and Dan Joyce.
The series followed four friends performing extreme physical challenges, outrageous practical jokes and painful stunts. Frequently compared with the American show Jackass, it quickly developed a devoted international following.
Pancho stood out for his distinctive personality and willingness to participate in some of the programme’s most bizarre challenges. His reactions and chemistry with the other performers became central to its appeal.
The series ran until 2007, while Dirty Sanchez: The Movie, released in 2006, took the group around the world for a series of extreme challenges inspired by the seven deadly sins.
Locke also appeared alongside Mathew Pritchard on Channel 4’s Balls of Steel, where the pair became known as the “Pain Men” for their physically punishing comedy performances.
Life after MTV
Despite his television fame, Locke remained connected to his Welsh roots and the skateboarding scene that had shaped his early life.
In later years, he was involved with San Portablo, a Port Talbot clothing business closely linked to local skateboarding culture.
During a 2025 appearance on The Brain Drain Skateboarding Show, he reflected on his early skating experiences, friendships with the Dirty Sanchez crew and the unexpected journey from local skate videos to international television.
Tributes pour in for Pancho
Following the announcement, comedian Sando Ford remembered Locke as a funny, intelligent and loyal friend who had supported his early comedy career without expecting anything in return.
Ford offered condolences to Locke’s family, Nigel Hunt and the wider San Portablo community.
For many fans, Pancho’s death marks the loss of a defining personality from MTV’s early-2000s era, when Dirty Sanchez brought the wild humour of a Welsh skateboarding crew to screens around the world.
His passing follows the recent loss of another familiar British television personality, John Leeson, the beloved voice of K9 in Doctor Who, whose performances also left a lasting impression on generations of viewers.
Locke leaves behind two children and a legacy built on friendship, skateboarding and television moments that fans continue to remember more than two decades later.
Behind the shocking stunts was a man remembered by those closest to him for his warmth, humour and loyalty.
To countless MTV viewers, he will always be Pancho — the Welsh skateboarder who made audiences laugh, cringe and wonder what he would do next.
Further reporting: The Sun and Nation.Cymru.
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