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'Australian Idol' judge found dead

Jay Dee Springbett, a 36-year-old Sony Music executive who once served as a judge on the Australian equivalent of “American Idol,” was found dead in his apartment on Thursday.According to the Sydney Morning Herald, “concerned acquaintances” contacted authorities after they were unable to get in touch with Springbett. When paramedics arrived at the scene of celebrity’s Woolloomooloo apart

Jay Dee Springbett, a 36-year-old Sony Music executive who once served as a judge on the Australian equivalent of “American Idol,” was found dead in his apartment on Thursday.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, “concerned acquaintances” contacted authorities after they were unable to get in touch with Springbett. When paramedics arrived at the scene of celebrity’s Woolloomooloo apartment, he was already dead.

"The 'Australian Idol' family is deeply saddened by the passing of Jay Dee," a rep for “Idol” production company FreemantleMedia told the Herald. "Our thoughts are with his family and all at Sony Music."

A spokesperson for Australia’s Network Ten, which aired “Idol,” also released a statement.

"Our heartfelt condolences go out to Jay Dee's family at this very difficult time,” the statement published to MTV Newsread. “Jay Dee was an asset to the final season of 'Australian Idol,' (and) we feel honored to have worked with him."

Police told the Herald that Springbett’s death is not considered suspicious.

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