Key Highlights
- Dirty Sanchez stuntman and skateboarder Michael Richard Locke, famously known as “Pancho,” has died at the age of 47.
- Co-stars Lee Dainton and Matthew Pritchard shared heartfelt tributes honoring Locke’s enduring spirit, friendship, and early skateboarding roots.
- Locke’s family and his clothing brand, San Portablo, confirmed his passing in a touching joint statement; his cause of death has not been disclosed.
Lee Dainton and Matthew Pritchard Lead Tributes to Mike Locke
The stunt and skateboarding communities are mourning the death of Michael Richard Locke, widely known as “Pancho,” who passed away at the age of 47. Locke rose to international prominence as a central figure on MTV’s hit reality stunt series Dirty Sanchez, performing outrageous and hazardous pranks alongside Matthew Pritchard, Lee Dainton, and Dan Joyce throughout the mid-2000s.
Following the announcement, co-star Lee Dainton took to Instagram to share a poignant message processing the loss of his longtime collaborator and close friend. 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,
Dainton 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 fondly revisited how Locke first made an impression on the stunt scene when Dainton secretly edited footage of him into the 2001 skateboarding DVD Pritchard vs Dainton. The surprise segment turned Locke into an instant favorite. 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.
Dainton recalled that A star was born
in a newspaper review at the time, before adding: My heart goes out to his daughters his family and brothers, San Portablo Nige and all his skateboard family,
and concluding: We love you Pancho.
Family Statement Remembers the ‘Welsh Treasure’
Confirmation of Locke’s passing came through an emotional statement released jointly by his family and San Portablo, the apparel brand he owned. The announcement paid homage to his diverse passions and infectious personality: 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.
The statement continued: 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.
The family added, Rest In Peace brother, your legend will never cease, it will only gain momentum.
An official cause of death has not yet been released to the public.
Fellow cast member Matthew Pritchard also shared his reaction, noting that he was left “in shock” upon hearing the tragic news. Reflecting on their shared history, Pritchard wrote: Been in some classic messes with him in the past, partying. Now he’s gone. I’ll Never forget him, Panch was the best,
Why This Matters
Between 2003 and 2007, Dirty Sanchez became an era-defining piece of alternative television, offering an extreme, visceral European counterpoint to American shows like Jackass. Locke played a pivotal role in the show’s cultural footprint, becoming famous for fearless acts such as undergoing liposuction without anesthesia. Beyond television, he remained deeply rooted in British skateboarding culture and independent business through San Portablo.
Earlier this year, discussions around a potential Dirty Sanchez reunion project for 2027 surfaced when Dainton revealed on the Dodge Woodall podcast that a new film was in development with a more “wholesome” tone. Following Locke’s sudden passing, it remains unclear how the production plans and the future of the planned reunion project will be affected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Mike “Pancho” Locke?
Michael Richard Locke, nicknamed “Pancho,” was a Welsh skateboarder, stunt performer, and entrepreneur best known as one of the four main cast members of MTV’s extreme stunt series Dirty Sanchez, which originally aired from 2003 to 2007.
What has been reported about Mike Locke’s cause of death?
As of the initial announcements from his family, clothing label San Portablo, and former co-stars, an official cause of death has not been released to the public.
Will the planned Dirty Sanchez reunion film still happen?
While Lee Dainton had previously revealed plans on the Dodge Woodall podcast for a potential reunion film slated for 2027, it is not currently known how the production or schedule will be impacted following Locke’s death.
