John Hunt's BBC Racing co-stars speak out on 'incomprehensibly evil' killings of 'nicest' man's family
John Hunt's wife Carol and two daughters were killed in a brutal attack in their Hertfordshire home
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Broadcasters from across the horseracing realm and beyond have paid tribute to commentator John Hunt after his wife and two daughters were found killed at their home in Hertfordshire.
Carol, 61, Hannah, 28 and Louise, 25 had been tied up before being shot with a crossbow, sparking a huge manhunt for suspect Kyle Clifford, 26, the ex-boyfriend of Louise.
Police confirmed Clifford was found on Wednesday evening and is now "fighting for his life" in hospital following an injury.
Broadcaster and racing expert Cornelius Lysaght is among the latest to pay emotional tributes to his longtime BBC colleague following the heartbreaking attack.
He and co-stars described Hunt as "the greatest family man" and "one of the nicest members of the human race".
It came as the BBC sent a note to 5 Live staff, describing the tragedy as "utterly devastating".
After Hunt's close friend and colleague Mark Chapman, who broke down while discussing the horrific incident on Wednesday, ITV broadcaster Matt Chapman also issued a heartfelt message on X, telling his co-star: "We love you."
No words needed for what has happened to @HuntyCaller and family today. Impossible to comprehend the pain. Just know we are all here for you John. We love you pal - racing loves you 🙏🩵
— Matt Chapman (@MCYeeehaaa) July 10, 2024
He penned: "No words needed for what has happened to @HuntyCaller and family today.
"Impossible to comprehend the pain. Just know we are all here for you John. We love you pal - racing loves you."
Racegoers participated in a minute's silence on Wednesday evening, with jockeys sporting black armbands in tribute.
Hunt is a regular presenter on At The Races and a commentator for BBC 5 Live. In the message to staff, the broadcaster announced it would provide Hunt with "all the support we can".
Police arrested suspect Kyle Clifford after tracking him down on Wednesday night
Ahead of England's Euro 2024 semi-final match on Wednesday evening, Chapman kicked off his show by paying a tearful tribute.
Fighting to keep his composure, he stated: "Good evening from Germany, we have a football match to bring you tonight and we will do and we will start our build-up to it shortly.
"But this has been a heartbreaking day, John Hunt is our colleague and our friend, not just here at the current 5 Live Sport team but all of those who 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, thoughts and support are with John and his family."
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The emotional, powerful opening to @5liveSport from @markchapman was so moving but is also a reflection of how the entire sports team and station feel with their thoughts and love towards @HuntyCaller ❤️
— Ian Dennis (@Iandennisbbc) July 10, 2024
Lysaght also retweeted an X post which read: "The emotional, powerful opening to @5liveSport from @markchapman was so moving but it is also a reflection of how the entire sports team and statio feel with their thoughts and love towards @HuntyCaller."
In another tribute, Sky Sports Racing expressed online: "Everyone at Sky Sports Racing is deeply saddened by the tragic deaths in Hertfordshire and our thoughts are with our colleague John Hunt, his family and friends at this awful time."
Irish Racing also paid tribute, writing: "We're deeply saddened by the tragic events in Hertfordshire, UK.
"Our heartfelt thoughts are with John Hunt, his family, and friends during this incredibly difficult time."
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