"The family and friends of the writer and journalist Sam de Brito have been devastated by his sudden death this morning," his family said in a statement.

Sam de Brito's family described him as a wonderful and devoted father to his young daughter, Anoushka.

"Sam, 46, has revelled in parenthood and was a wonderful and devoted father to his daughter, Anoushka, 5.

"He will also be remembered as a loving son, brother, nephew, uncle, cousin and friend, as well as a distinguished columnist and author.

"His family asks for privacy at this time as they grieve for the loss of Sam and await the results of a coroner's report."