Johannesburg – Top media strategist Gordon Patterson has been killed in Johannesburg.
Many people expressed their condolences and heartbreak on Twitter, although the exact circumstances surrounding his death are not yet clear. Some people speculated that he had been shot in his driveway in an attempted hijacking.
Police were still unable to confirm how Patterson was killed.
A colleague and friend of Patterson, Sandra Gordon, confirmed his death to News24.
"Gordon was a forthright, kind and selfless person. He mentored and cared about young media people. Encouraging and motivating in a gentle and wise way. He kept his friends close and enjoyed a wide circle of close colleagues. His contribution to the media sector is as profound as his love of deep sea diving and life in general .
"He served on numerous industry bodies, volunteering his time, energy and counsel. At all times a professional media man who will never be forgotten."
People also flooded the Facebook account of Patterson's wife, Sonja, to send their condolences.
Patterson was a global media and marketing professional, with over 25 years' experience in the industry.
He was on the board of the Audit Bureau of Circulation, and was vice-chairperson of Advertising Media Association of South Africa.
He founded media and advertising SMV Group in South Africa in April 2000.
Another fine South African becomes crime statistic - Ad industry icon Gordon Patterson killed in botched carjack: https://t.co/pmZPhrpWXZ
— Alec Hogg (@alechogg) July 22, 2016
Terrible news about #GordonPatterson. RIP wonderful person and media guru. Hating this country's violence. Angry.https://t.co/LYATmD115M
— Nikki Temkin (@NikkiTemkin) July 22, 2016
Shocked & saddened by the news of Gordon Patterson's death. Huge loss for the SA media industry. Our condolences to his family @Assoc_Media
— Julia Raphaely (@GilaCT) July 22, 2016
Terribly sad to hear of the murder of Gordon Patterson in an attempted hi-jacking last night. A terrible loss to South Africa #RIP
— chris borain (@cebastian) July 22, 2016
More tragic news this week. Very sad to hear of the passing of Gordon Patterson. RIP. You did a lot for our industry and you will be missed!
— Richard Lord (@rlord182) July 22, 2016
Heart broken over the death of Gordon Patterson, he was a legend in the media industry and will be greatly missed.
— Louise White (@Louwhite9) July 22, 2016
Such tragic news about the senseless murder of Gordon Patterson. What a loss. Condolences to his family and all who knew him.
— Tim Allemann (@TimAllemann) July 22, 2016
Tragic news of the death of #GordonPatterson - an immeasurable loss of one of SA's true media & marketing 'greats'.
— Luise Allemann (@luiseallemann) July 22, 2016
I was in a meeting w/ Gordon Patterson just a few weeks go. Deepest condolences to his family from all of us at @Powerfm987 & @CapricornFM
— Andile Khumalo (@Andile_Khumalo) July 22, 2016
Try I might, but I'm battling to come to terms with the tragedy that has befallen our industry ! #RIP Gordon Patterson! I'm devastated ??????
— nomsa philiso (@SasaPhiliso) July 22, 2016