What we know about Alton Telegraph obituary

A former radio host and journalist who died in 2014 has been named as Alton telegram obituaries reader John Alton, who was best known for his work as a broadcaster.

The obit comes less than two weeks after the death of a friend of Mr Telegraph, who died of a brain tumour in 2015.

Mr Alton’s obit has been shared more than 400,000 times since being published in July last year.

His obit said Mr Telegram was an accomplished journalist, whose work included coverage of the US election.

“John was one of the best in the business and one of those few who could say ‘no’ when asked,” it read.

“He was also a true friend and we will miss him dearly.”

Mr Telegraph said he had known Mr Alton for 15 years, and was “surprised and saddened” to hear his name had been included in the obit.

“I just thought it was a great idea,” he said.

“This was a really nice way to honour John and to give some recognition to the wonderful man who I loved.

He was a wonderful man.”

The obits of deceased people have been shared almost a million times since the publication of the article, with readers asking whether Mr Telegrams friend and former co-host of The Newsroom John O’Donovan was also in the room when Mr Altons death occurred.

Mr O’Dovan has not responded to requests for comment.