Benjamin Zephaniah dies aged 65 after brain tumour diagnosis: Poet and Peaky Blinders star passes away after eight-week health battle as family pay tribute to ‘true pioneer who gave the world so much’

British poet and writer Benjamin Zephaniah has died at the age of 65, his family have announced. 

The beloved speaker and Peaky Blinders star died in the early hours of the morning, eight weeks after being diagnosed with a brain tumour. 

In a statement shared to his social media, his family said: ‘It is with great sadness and regret that we announce the death of our beloved husband, son and brother in the early hours of this morning. 

‘Benjamin’s wife was by his side throughout and was with him when he passed. We shared with him the world and we know many will be shocked and saddened by this news. 

Benjamin was a true pioneer and innovator. He gave the world so much. 

Through an amazing career including a huge body of poems, literature, music television and radio, Benjamin leaves us with a joyful and fantastic legacy.’ 

In a statement shared to his social media his family paid tribute to his legacy

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