DJ Ajax Dies On Impact After Hit By Truck; Australian EDM Legend’s Death Draws Condolences From Across Music Industry

DJ Ajax dies at age 41 in a road accident in Australia.

The celebrated Australian DJ and electronic producer Adrian Thomas, better known by "DJ Ajax" has died.

Sydney based DJ Ajax, born Adrian Thomas, died after being hit by a truck in Parkville, a town just outside of Melbourne, Australia. The accident occurred just before 1am, hours after DJ Ajax celebrated his birthday.

Police have ruled out foul play. A police spokesperson said, "It's believed the man ran in front of the north bound truck on College Crescent shortly before 1am. He died at the scene."

DJ Ajax was the founding member of the Bang Gang DJ's crew and was co-founder and director of the label 'Sweat It Out'. His label produced the monster 2010 hit 'We No Speak Americano' with Yolanda B Cool vs DCup.

He has left a lasting legacy in the club music scene. DJ Ajax is widely considered a pioneer and a key player who paved EDM's way into mainstream radio play in Australia.

In a statement issued today by Sweat It Out, Thomas was described as "instrumental in shaping the landscape of Australian dance music. He was a hugely talented individual and was highly respected by the local and international dance music community as a pioneer and innovator. Adrian touched so many people and it is impossible to sum up his legacy in words."

In 2005 and 2006, Thomas took the top spot at Australian dance portal inthemix's DJ poll, according to a memorial piece in Billboard. He also ranked Top 5 in that poll every year from 2005-2009. He was three-times 3D magazine's "World DJ of the year."

Tributes poured out of all social networks today, remembering a fun guy who was at his peak as an artist.

London-based DJ Erol Alkan tweeted, "Saddened to hear about the passing of DJ Ajax. RIP."

Jesse F. Keeler of mstrkrft tweeted, "RIP AJAX. Vivid memory of us leaving a hotel one morning, and him not realizing he had no shoes on until we were outside."

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."

A message by Modular Recordings states, "Very few people have the gall to call themselves a legend, especially in Australia where proclaiming your own greatness has long been looked down upon. In that regard, Ajax was in a league of his own."

"A true gentleman and a cherished friend, this week we lost one of Australia's true legends," the statement concluded. 

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