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Tom Estey, a veteran entertainment publicist and Nanci Ryder protege, sadly died on January 3 after suffering an unexpected cardiac event, his family announced. He was 61 years old at the time of his death. In a heartbreaking statement to The Hollywood Reporter his family praised the PR strategist for his "infectious personality" and his admirable "warmth".

"Tom was widely admired for his warmth, humor and infectious personality," his family said. "He brought that same generosity of spirit and care to every relationship and was as passionate about the people he worked with as the work itself.

"His influence was felt not just in headlines and placements, but in the careers he helped shape and the confidence he helped instill."

Thomas James Estey was born in 1964 in Brockton, Massachusetts. He earned a master's degree in Communications from the University of Massachusetts in 1986 before moving to Los Angeles.

He began his career writing for a newspaper but turned his interest to publicity and promotion.

While in LA, he worked under Nanci Ryder at BWR Public Relations where he spent eight years before he launched his own boutique agency, Tom Estey Publicity and Promotion, in May 1997.

Ryder, who died aged 67 in June 2020 after a long battle with ALS, called Estey "a gifted, instinctive and committed PR strategist."

Estey represented several Hollywood clients including Sheryl Lee Ralph, Matthew Perry, Richard Simmons and William Hurt.

He also represented Annie Lennox, Jay Thomas, Lela Rochon, Oleta Adams, Robin Quivers, Jody Watley, Patti Austin, Brenda Russell, Marilyn Scott, Dianne Reeves and Phyllis Hyman, just to name a few.

Estey is survived by his son Tyler, his brothers Ed and Stephen, and his nephew Joe.