Dirty Sanchez star Lee Dainton pays heartbreaking tribute after Mike ‘Pancho’ Locke dies aged 47

Dirty Sanchez star Lee Dainton has paid tribute to co-star Mike Locke, following the news of his death.

Earlier today, it was confirmed that Locke, known to fans as 'Pancho', had died at the age of 47.

Tributes to Pancho have since been flooding in, with Dainton reflecting on their friendship in a tender Instagram post.

"When you grow up skating with your friends you’re in your own little world. You never think about losing anyone from it. In your head those days and the people you shared them with live forever," he wrote.

"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 went on to recall how he'd secretly included footage of Pancho in 2001 skateboarding DVD Pritchard vs Dainton without his knowledge, giving the Welshman his own segment in the film.

Revealing that it had been well-received by viewers at the film's premiere, he continued: "His name appeared on screen, Dean Martin’s That’s Amore kicked in and the whole cinema erupted. Panch had absolutely no idea. It was brilliant and he was made up.

"A newspaper wrote 'A star was born'.

"My heart goes out to his daughters his family and brothers, San Portablo Nige and all his skateboard family," he added. "We love you Pancho."

Pancho's death was confirmed in a statement shared by his friends and family via San Portablo, a clothing brand which he owned, reading: "It is with profound sadness that San Portablo and the Locke family write of the passing of the father, son, brother, uncle, friend, skater, stuntman and all-round goodfella Michael Richard Locke.

"Affectionately known as Pancho to the world, an absolute Welsh Treasure and San Portablo King. His brilliance we are sure will still shine through far wide high low and across the seven seas. He lived an incredible life and lit up the world with his charm.

"Rest In Peace brother, your legend will never cease, it will only gain momentum."

His cause of death has not yet been released to the public.

Matthew Pritchard has also reacted to the news of Pancho's death, writing that he'd been left 'in shock' by the news.

"Been in some classic messes with him in the past, partying. Now he's gone. I'll Never forget him, Panch was the best," he wrote in his tribute.

Pancho rose to fame alongside Pritchard, Dainton and Dan Joyce on Dirty Sanchez, which ran from 2003 until 2007 on MTV.

Earlier this year, there were reports that a Dirty Sanchez reunion film was in the works for 2027, with Dainton telling the Dodge Woodall podcast that it would likely take on a more 'wholesome' tone.

It's not currently known how Pancho's death will impact the planned film.