DJ Ajax taking the crowd on a jacking techno journey at Festival First Night in Sydney in 2008 as a Dad films his kids dancing with glowsticks.

UPDATE: AUSTRALIAN DJ Ajax, who died suddenly on his birthday yesterday, has been remembered as a pioneer who changed the nation's dance music scene.

Sydney-based Ajax, born Adrian Thomas, died instantly after being hit by a truck in Parkville, in Melbourne's inner north just before 1am.

Police say there were no suspicious circumstances.

"It's believed the man ran in front of the north bound truck on College Crescent shortly before 1am. He died at the scene," a police spokesperson said.

A road ambulance was not called as he died on impact, an Ambulance Victoria spokesperson said.

Thomas, who turned 42 yesterday, was part of the Modular Records signed electro band known as Bang Gang - who spawned hit compilation albums and club nights, and founded music label and management company, Sweat it Out.

Tributes have since flooded into Twitter and the popular DJ's official Facebook page from friends, fans and industry colleagues.

Well-known Melbourne DJ Grant Smillie told the Herald Sun it had been DJ Ajax's birthday yesterday and that he was shocked to receive the news of his death.

"He was an icon for our industry and was always really positive. His energy was infectious," Smillie said.

"He had the ability to make the most underground record cool.

"It was his birthday yesterday. I only saw him two weeks ago in Melbourne at an event with Sneaky Sound System."

OneLove director Frank Cotela said he could not believe the news and that his assistant Tyson O'Brien was good friends with him and was devastated by the news.

"We are really shocked about this, he was a genuine, top bloke," Cotela said.

"He was a big part of the OneLove and Stereosonic family, and produced numerous CD's for OneLove."

O’Brien said that Thomas had been out on the eve of his 42nd birthday and had plans to meet for dinner with another Melbourne DJ Miami Horror.



“It’s quite shocking news, I was meant to meet up with him but had to work,” he said. "He was the life of the party, a captivating ball of energy and a true dance legend, as he liked to call himself.”



“The tribute messages that have flooded Facebook show how he touched so many people."



O’Brien said that DJ Ajax had been an inspiration to many young DJs who wanted to break into the industry.



“He made a lot of people want to get into DJing. He was inspirational,” he said.

In a previous video interview on OneLove TV, Thomas said he liked hanging out with young people who came to watch him play because it made him feel young.

"I don’t like the competitive nature of Djing.. it's not a …sport," he said. "Even though I’m 36, I guess I’m quite immature because I hang out with a lot of young people."

A spokesperson for Modular Records said: "It is a tragedy and a shock and Adrian will be greatly missed. It was an honor to work with, know, and love him. Any further details of his death and funeral arrangements will be communicated by his family at an appropriate time."

Vincent Vendetta from Australian band Midnight Juggernauts said Thomas' tragic death was "all so deeply sad".

"Adrian was always one of the brightest leading lights; a real support and driver of the scene. From coming to our first tiny shows in '04, or giving us one of our first remixes it was clear he was always eager to push up-and-comers.

"There's so many other Australian acts he'd encourage and champion along the way as well. I'll remember the times we all spent in rainy London together in '06 when we should have been cold and depressed, but he'd always spread his infectious fireball energy to make everyone cheery and untroubled. People loved to be around him. A hub and father figure of the scene. He'll be greatly missed."

Sneaky Sound System's 'Black' Angus McDonald was a close friend of Thomas.

"RIP my brother, RIP my inspiration, RIP my roomy, RIP my favourite (sic) DJ ever... I love you so f----- much," McDonald wrote.

Potbelleez member Jonny Sonic noted Ajax's influence.

"You changed Australian dance music forever," Sonic posted on Instagram with a picture of the pair.

US DJ Erol Alkan tweeted "saddened to hear about the passing of DJ Ajax RIP."

American DJ A-Trak wrote "RIP to Ajax, my thoughts are with all the Australian homies, I can't believe this. Such a warm and generous dude, a real leader."

Johnny Mackay from rock band Children Collide wrote "DJ AJAX was one of the best guys I ever knew. He was respected and loved in all corners of the music world and will be forever missed. RIP buddy."

Basketball star Liz Cambage tweeted "so lost for words, rest in peace Ajax xxx".

Ajax was regularly voted one of Australia's Top 5 DJs and launched his own label Sweat It Out in 2008.

The label scored major success with Yolanda Be Cool's international hit We Speak No Americano.

Ajax was working with Guy Chappell of Yacht Club DJs and Michael Belsar of Hunting Ground on the group Twinsy.

Sydney station FBI are playing tribute to Ajax at midday today, airing some of his mixtapes.

The station can be streamed outside of Sydney on fbiradio.com

His death has not been added to the road toll and police will prepare a report for the Coroner.

If you are having personal problems contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.