A trailblazer in the Indigenous media sector, Gavin Jones started out as a journalist before branching out into events management, establishing his own media and PR company.
He was well known as the founder and director of the annual Deadly Awards - which honour the best of Indigenous music, sport, and entertainment.
He was also the Editor in Chief of Deadly Vibe magazine and began the Deadly Sounds radio program, which is heard on 200 Indigenous stations around the country.
In recent years, he made a successful move into television and was the Executive Producer of the Logie Award-nominated childrens' television program, Move it Mob Style and the health and lifestyle program, Living Strong.
Members of the Indigenous community have paid tribute to the entrepreneur, remembering him as an inspirational leader and a "dear brother".
"I'm devastated, shattered. I can't believe he is no longer with us," Living Black's executive producer Karla Grant said.
"It is very hard to accept a world without Gavin Jones. He is just an amazing person he gave so much to the Indigenous community."
Full interview: Karla Grant speaks to Brianna Roberts
Tributes also flowed on social media, with many recognising his role in mentoring a younger generation of Indigenous leaders.
NITV will broadcast further tributes to Gavin Jones later in the week.