John Hunt: The household man on the coronary heart of incomprehensible tragedy
- John Hunt’s wife Carol, 61, and daughters Hannah, 28, and Louise, 25, were killed
John Hunt, a devoted father who would show off photos of his beloved wife and daughters at any given moment, has horrifically found himself at the heart of an incomprehensible tragedy.
There has been an outpouring of shared grief and pain from those who know the BBC Radio 5 Live racing star – as friends, colleagues and neighbours rally around the kind family man.
John, whose voice is known to millions, was going about an ordinary Tuesday, covering a meeting at Lingfield Racecourse when tragedy struck. He could never have imagined that his life would be turned upside down by a crossbow-wielding killer targeting the family he cared for so dearly.
John’s wife of 33 years Carol, 61, and two daughters Hannah, 28, and Louise, 25, were found fatally injured at their home in the quiet cul-de-sac of Ashlyn Close in Bushey, Hertfordshire, on Tuesday evening.
Triple-murder suspect Kyle Clifford – who went on the run before police found him in a cemetery on Wednesday – is understood to have been the ex-partner of John’s youngest daughter, Louise.
Despite John being on the road a great deal with his role as a racing commentator, the family enjoyed travelling and Carol’s social media accounts were full of photos of them smiling on holidays around the world.
They say a picture is worth a thousands words. And in one particular photo, Carol is seen lovingly looking into John’s eyes as he wraps a caring arm around her shoulder and holds onto her hand while beaming at the camera.
John Hunt is pictured with his wife Carol, who was killed alongside two of their two daughters on Tuesday. He puts a caring arm around her shoulder and holds her other hand as she looks into his eyes
Hannah Hunt was killed alongside her mother and sister in a tragic crossbow attack which has rocked Bushey, Hertfordshire
Hannah’s sister and Carol’s daughter, Louise Hunt (pictured), is the ex-girlfriend of crossbow suspect Kyle Clifford
John’s friends have revealed that he was ‘the greatest family man’ and ‘one of the nicest members of the human race’. He is pictured here on holiday with Carol
His friends have revealed that he was ‘the greatest family man’ and ‘one of the nicest members of the human race’.
Those in the racing industry felt they knew the family far better than they actually did because of how much John spoke about them.
The racing star also credited his wife with his broadcasting career after she spotted an advert in the Harrow Observer for a job as a trainee broadcaster.
Before establishing himself as a race track legend, John had initially been reluctant to leave the police force as he would have to take a paycut.
But it was his loving wife who pushed him along the path telling him he’d enjoy it as he had a passion for horse racing.
In 2004, he was poached by Radio 5 Live to cover horse racing but his work on the national sport’s network has widened to occasional football commentary and also coverage of the equestrian events at the 2012 London Olympics.
He later added swimming to his roster of sports and has covered a number of other events at both summer and winter Olympics.
John and Carol tied the knot in Harrow in 1991 and had three daughters, born in 1993, 1996 and 1999.
The racing star also credited his wife with his broadcasting career after she spotted an advert in the Harrow Observer for a job as a trainee broadcaster
John and Carol tied the knot in Harrow in 1991 and had three daughters, born in 1993, 1996 and 1999
Carol Hunt (pictured) and her two daughters were tied up before being shot with a crossbow, MailOnline understands
Hannah, whose heartbroken boyfriend paid tribute to the ‘love of my life’ today, was a beautician – while Louise ran a dog grooming salon close to the family home in Bushey, where they were tragically attacked.
Their eldest daughter, a qualified journalist, has worked in the United States.
Richard Hoiles, who has known John for 30 years, recalled how the racing star, as ‘one of the most respected and liked members of the press room’, would regularly share with colleagues details of his home life.
He added the doting father was known to share pictures of his daughters at primary school with ‘random bar staff’ and ‘anyone else who would care to listen’.
In an emotional tribute at the Newmarket horse race on Thursday, Mr Hoiles said: ‘It’s impossible to rationalise such a heinous pointless and terrible act in modern day society really.
‘I’ve known John for 30 years we started out together and during that time he’s become one of the most respected and liked members of the press room.
‘Respected because of his fantastic ability not just in racing but in other sports such as swimming for the BBC at the Olympics and liked because of his easy going personality, good sense of humour, his excellent company and if you spend even a few moments in his company the odds are that talk would turn to family.
‘There are plenty of people in the press room I have no idea of their family but we all felt we knew Carol and the girls possibly far better than we actually did.
Suspect Kyle Clifford, 26, who is the ex-boyfriend of John’s daughter Louise, was snared by police yesterday afternoon in Lavender Hill Cemetery, Enfield
A tribute which included photos of Louise Hunt was among those left by a friend at the scene today
Piles of flowers and written tributes have been left in memory of the women at Ashlyn Close this morning
Flowers left outside the house where the bodies of Carole, Hannah and Louise Hunt were found on Tuesday
In one message bereaved neighbours paid tribute to the ‘three beautiful souls that left us too early’
The racing commentator continued: ‘It is a bit of folklore that after our annual shindig at Christmas 20 years ago we would all retire to the local pub and out would come John’s wallet with pictures of the girls at primary school which he would share with random bar staff and anyone else who would care to listen.
‘In the helter skelter of modern day life it is quite easy to lose track of the things that we hold dear but John never has. I know I hugged my kids tighter last night on leaving for here, knowing that that simple pleasure has been cruelly snatched away from one of mine and many in the press room’s greatest friends.
‘Words just seem hollow and inadequate in such circumstances and all we can try and do is provide some crumb of comfort by trying to exhibit the warmth and respect in which John and his family is held as will be shown by the many tributes that will be held up and down the country today.’
Broadcaster Cornelius Lysaght also paid tribute to John and described the killings of his family as ‘incomprehensible evil’.
John’s colleagues at the BBC were said to be stunned by the horror. A message sent to staff said: “The news today about John Hunt’s family is utterly devastating.
“Our thoughts are with John and his family at this incredibly difficult time and we will provide him with all the support we can.”
Michael Owen also paid tribute to the racing commentator, whose voice is known by millions with a post on X.
He wrote: ‘And while the country celebrates, spare a thought for John Hunt. I can’t remember feeling so utterly horrified in years. Those poor girls. Truly horrific.’
The former footballer’s grief was echoed by BBC Breakfast presenters Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt who delivered the devastating news from the studio.
Ms Munchetty said: ‘It’s a horrific story. Tributes are being paid to three women who have been killed in a crossbow attack in Hertfordshire.’
While reporter Aruna Iyengar who was outside the family home in Bushey described people leaving wreaths and flowers.
Condolence messages on the tributes included ‘I wish none of this were real’ as bunches of flowers line the quiet street where Mr Hunt’s wife and two daughters, Louise and Hannah, were found.
Presenter Dan Walker also showed his support, writing on X: ‘The football was amazing last night and we are so blessed to have brilliant commentators in the UK.
‘John Hunt is one of the best and his world was ripped apart yesterday when his wife and daughters were murdered. Mark Chapman knows himself how brutal life can be at times.
‘Give yourself a moment to listen to how he introduced the football after the news about his colleague and friend had just been reported in the bulletin before he started’
Pundits and reporters took to social media to share their grief and rally round John Hunt following the tragic murder of his wife and two daughters in their family home
This morning Zoe Ball stopped her BBC Radio 2 programme to share her support and send her condolences to Mr hunt.
She said: ‘I must say, everyone at the is heartbroken and deeply shocked at the news. Our thoughts and prayers are with John Hunt… we are holding you in our heart, John.’
Dominic King, The Mail’s racing correspondent showed his heartfelt support for the BBC 5 Live reporter in a social media post.
He wrote: ‘John Hunt is a master of his craft but, above all, he’s the very best of men. He’s warm, generous and he’ll help anyone, anywhere.
‘If you’re fortunate to befriend Hunty, you can consider yourself blessed. The horror and evil, then, that has entered his life is unimaginable.
‘Please keep him in your thoughts.’
Sky and ITV horse racing reporter Matt Chapman also took to social media to rally round Mr Hunt following the shocking murder of his family.
The pundit posted: ‘No words needed for what has happened to John Hunt and family today.
‘Impossible to comprehend the pain. Just know we are all here for you John. We love you pal – racing loves you’
Other commentators also shared their condolences and urged the public to keep the racing reporter in their hearts.
Sky Sport’s presenter Jacqui Oatley took to X with a picture of Mr Hunt, writing: ‘I couldn’t/didn’t want to tweet about football yesterday due to the utter horror of hearing about John Hunt’s family. Notice how everyone else who knows John Hunt has said the same thing.
Speaking with a quivered voice on BBC Radio 5 Live yesterday, sports presenter Mark Chapman paid tribute to the family
Jockeys wearing black armbands as a tribute to Mr Hunt’s family who were brutally murdered by his daughter Louise’s ex-boyfriend
‘What a truly lovely, wonderful man he is. He has so much support. He’ll need it’
ITV Sport’s Mark Pougatch posted: ‘There is football tonight but much more importantly there is John Hunt and family to keep in your thoughts and hearts and prayers.’
Chad Yeomans, head of communications for gambling company Betway said: ‘In light of today’s deeply saddening news, I’ve created a JustGiving page to support our good friend, John Hunt.
‘I would really appreciate it if you could share this as far and wide as possible. We’re all here for you’
His fundraiser has so far collected almost £2,000 and will go to supporting John.
The outpouring of grief and love for John and his family from the sporting community comes as jockeys at Kempton Park Racecourse donned black armbands as a mark of respect for the racing commentator’s loss.
Newmarket Racecourse in Suffolk will be holding a minute’s silence this afternoon to show support for Mr Hunt and his family.
Yesterday BBC Radio 5 Live’s Mark Chapman opened his coverage of England’s semi-final by paying a tearful tribute to his colleague.
Speaking with a quivered voice on the radio this evening, sports presenter Chapman said: ‘This has been a heartbreaking day. John Hunt is our colleague, and our friend, not just to the current 5 Live Sport team, but to all of those who have worked here with him over the past 20 years.
‘And also, to all of you who have enjoyed his superb commentaries. So, on behalf of everybody connected to 5 Live Sport, our love and thoughts and support are with John and his family.’
The suspect can be seen receiving medical treatment on a stretcher in the cemetery in North London
Armed police searching Lavender Hill cemetery in Enfield as the hunt for fugitive Kyle Clifford took a new turn
Sports broadcaster John Murray also paid tribute to Mr Hunt yesterday evening, telling the audience: ‘There is no one at BBC sport more supportive and enthusiastic than John.
‘All of us send our love to John and his family.’
Suspect Kyle Clifford became Britain’s most wanted man after police said they were hunting the ex-soldier in connection with the ‘murders’ of the women who were found fatally injured inside their £800,000 detached home on Ashlyn Close, Bushey.
Police sources said the three women were tied up before being shot in a ‘targeted attack’ that may have also included ‘other weapons’ on Tuesday evening.
Clifford who is the ex-boyfriend of John’s daughter Louise, was snared by police yesterday in Lavender Hill Cemetery, Enfield.
The 26-year-old was seen being bundled into the back of an ambulance in the Hilly Fields area of Enfield by armed police and paramedics on Wednesday afternoon.
Witnesses said they saw the suspect being stretchered away while receiving medical treatment before he was taken to Royal London Hospital.
Officers said ‘no shots were fired by police’ and Clifford is being treated at a major trauma centre for his injuries.
