Dave Myers – Life, Death and Legacy of the Hairy Bikers Star
Dave Myers, beloved British television presenter and one half of the iconic cooking duo The Hairy Bikers, passed away at the age of 66 on 28 February 2024. His death marked the end of a two-year battle with cancer, a journey he navigated with characteristic discretion and dignity.
The news was announced by his longtime friend and business partner, Si King, who confirmed that Myers died peacefully at home surrounded by his wife Lili, family, and close friends. The public response was immediate and immense, leading to unprecedented tributes from fans, fellow celebrities, and the motorcycling community.
To understand the full scope of Dave Myers’ life, his illness, and the remarkable legacy he left behind, it helps to look at the key facts, the questions fans continue to ask, and the events that followed his passing.
What Was Dave Myers’ Cause of Death?
David James Myers
8 September 1957 – 28 February 2024 (aged 66)
TV presenter, chef, one half of The Hairy Bikers
Cancer (type unconfirmed in public sources)
Dave Myers died from metastatic cancer. He first revealed his diagnosis in May 2022 on the Agony Uncles podcast, which he co-hosted with Si King. At that time, he chose not to specify the type of cancer he was fighting, explaining in a 2022 interview with The Guardian that he worried people would “start drawing conclusions about his health” and become “amateur doctors.”
This deliberate decision to keep the specific cancer type private was respected by his family and publicists both during his illness and after his death. While it is confirmed that the cancer had spread (metastasised), no further medical details have been officially released by the family or their representatives.
- Dave Myers died from cancer at age 66 after a two-year battle.
- His widow Lili has spoken about grieving and being unable to watch the final Hairy Bikers series.
- Over 45,000 motorcyclists took part in ‘Dave Day’ charity rides in his memory to raise funds for cancer research.
- His long-time partner Lili was by his side; details of a previous fiance death are sparse and should be handled with caution.
- Si King announced Myers’ death, describing him as “a beacon in this world.”
- Myers lost his beard and moustache as a result of chemotherapy treatment.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Born | 8 September 1957 in Barrow-in-Furness, England |
| Occupation | Television presenter, chef, author |
| Famous for | The Hairy Bikers (with Si King) |
| Partner | Lili Myers (married 2011; Liliana Orzac) |
| First wife | Not widely reported – no confirmed public record |
| Height | Approximately 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) |
| Last photo | Shared on social media shortly before his death |
| Death | 28 February 2024, aged 66, from cancer |
Who Is Dave Myers’ Partner and Wife?
Who is Lili Myers?
Dave Myers married Liliana Orzac, known as Lili, in 2011. The couple met while Myers was filming in Romania, where Lili worked as a hotel manager. She became a central figure in his life and was by his side throughout his illness. Reports from BBC News confirm that Lili, along with their family and close friends, was present when Myers passed away peacefully at home.
Lili has since become the public face of his legacy. In a July 2025 interview with the BBC, she stated she “cannot watch” the final series of The Hairy Bikers, which aired following his death. She has also been instrumental in organising the major tribute events held in his memory.
Dave and Lili Myers had no biological children together. However, Dave cherished Lili’s children from a previous relationship — Iza and Sergiu — as his own. The family has maintained a strong private stance regarding the specifics of Lili’s prior relationships, and no verified public information exists regarding a former fiance’s death.
Did Dave Myers have a first wife?
There is no confirmed public record of Dave Myers having a first wife. Biographical sources, including Wikipedia, make no mention of any marriage prior to his union with Lili. Any claims to the contrary remain unsubstantiated.
What Are Key Personal Details About Dave Myers?
How tall was Dave Myers?
According to biographical records, Dave Myers stood approximately 1.73 m tall, which is 5 feet 8 inches. This figure is consistently cited across multiple reference sources.
What was Dave Myers’ last photo?
In the days and weeks before his death, Myers was photographed in the company of family and close friends. Several of these images were shared on social media, primarily through Si King’s accounts. As these images are personal and not part of an official archive, readers are advised to exercise caution when viewing or sharing unverified photographs.
Did Dave Myers have other health issues?
Beyond his cancer diagnosis, Myers faced several other health challenges throughout his life. He suffered from alopecia, which he attributed to the shock of his mother’s illness. In 1998, he underwent surgery for a benign arachnoid cyst, and in 2018 he was diagnosed with glaucoma. These details, sourced from Wikipedia and verified public records, illustrate a man who faced significant health adversity with resilience.
What Is the Dave Day Tribute?
The public tribute to Dave Myers, known simply as “Dave Day,” became one of the largest charity motorcycle events in British history. The inaugural ride took place on 8 June 2024, when over 45,000 bikers travelled from London to Myers’ hometown of Barrow-in-Furness. The event raised substantial funds for both NSPCC Childline and The Institute of Cancer Research, as documented by Wikipedia.
An earlier memorial motorcycle ride had already taken place on 7 April 2024, where 6,000 bikers rode from Beverley to Scarborough to raise money for Cancer Research UK. The sheer scale of these events reflected the deep affection the public held for Myers.
The Institute of Cancer Research reported that the 2024 Dave Day event was attended by tens of thousands of motorcyclists and raised significant funds for cancer research. The event has been described as a fitting tribute to a man who brought joy to millions through his television work and his unpretentious, warm personality.
Myers’ co-star Si King has continued to honour his memory through public appearances and has been central to the organisation of the charity rides. The official Dave Day website provides further information on ongoing and future events.
Timeline of Dave Myers’ Life and Final Months
- – Born David James Myers, Barrow-in-Furness
- – Formed The Hairy Bikers with Si King
- – Married Lili (also known as Liliana Orzac)
- – Announced cancer diagnosis; began treatment
- – Passed away at home
- – First memorial motorcycle ride (Beverley to Scarborough)
- – Dave Day charity motorcycle ride (London to Barrow-in-Furness)
- – Final Hairy Bikers series airs; widow Lili says she cannot watch it
What Is Confirmed and What Remains Unclear About Dave Myers’ Death?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Dave Myers died on 28 February 2024 | The specific type of cancer has not been officially confirmed by family or doctors |
| He had been battling cancer for two years | Details about his first wife are not publicly documented |
| He was married to Lili Myers | The ‘fiance death’ question likely refers to Lili’s previous partner; no verified public information exists |
| A charity tribute ‘Dave Day’ took place in June 2024 | Exact location and circumstances of his last days remain private |
Analysis and Context: Dave Myers’ Impact and Media Coverage
Dave Myers was far more than a television personality. Alongside Si King, he transformed the concept of the celebrity chef by combining cooking with a love of motorcycles, creating a unique brand that resonated with everyday audiences. His death prompted an outpouring of grief that transcended the usual boundaries of celebrity mourning, culminating in a massive motorcycle tribute ride that was organised by fans and supported by King.
BBC and Institute of Cancer Research coverage has highlighted the charity aspect of his legacy, alongside the continued bond between the public and his widow. The deliberate lack of definitive cancer details reflects the family’s clear desire for privacy. The Dave Day event has raised significant funds for cancer research, and the final Hairy Bikers series (aired in 2025) served as a poignant closing chapter to a remarkable career.
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