BBC star John Hunt opens up on tragedy as he returns to work weeks after wife & two daughters killed in crossbow attack
BBC racing commentator John Hunt opened up on his family tragedy as he returned to work just weeks after his wife and two daughters were killed in a crossbow attack.
The 5Live announcer and Sky Sports presenter was back in the hotseat at Brighton on Monday for the first time since the triple shooting.
Explaining his decision to return to work, he said: “It’s been 60 days since my girls, Carol, Hannah and Louise were killed and whilst Amy and I still feel so wounded and vulnerable, returning to work at Brighton felt achievable and realistic.
“Carol and I had our last weekend away together in Brighton at the end of May and looking out from the press box, out to sea, my knees buckled recalling us on the wild rapids ride on the pier just over three months ago.
“Soaked to the skin and laughing like teenagers. But I know the girls are with me, at all times and would have been gently encouraging me to take a breath or two, and stride on.
“The warmth from everyone at the track was so striking with hugs and kindness washing over me all day. My thanks to everyone who has contacted me, to Racetech who made things so straightforward, and all racegoers who said hello.
“Amy and I are determined to take small steps forward whenever we feel able. To that end, today was a good day and I’m grateful for it.”
Hunt’s wife Carol, 61, and daughters Hannah, 28, and Louise, 25, were allegedly tied up before being shot with a crossbow at their family home in Bushey, Hertfordshire, on July 9.
Cops launched a manhunt and later arrested Kyle Clifford, 26, on suspicion of murder. He remains in hospital after being found with self-inflicted injuries.
A GoFundMe page set up by Sun Racing’s Matt Chapman has raised more than £100,000 for Hunty and daughter Amy.
The beloved commentator posted an emotional statement after the devastating discovery, saying ‘every message feels like a hug’.
And Sky Sports listeners were delighted to hear him back doing what he does best for the Flat meeting.
One said: “One of the best moments in racing of recent months is hearing @HuntyCaller back with the microphone at @BrightonRace today.
“John, we were with you over the last few weeks, we are with you today & we will be with you in the future.”
Another wrote: “It’s wonderful hearing the dulcet tones of @HuntyCaller on @SkySportsRacing. We are all behind you, John.”
One message read: “How wonderful to hear @HuntyCaller back where he belongs.”
Another viewer posted: “Just to say how lovely to hear @HuntyCaller back on the mic.”
A fellow racing follower wrote: “Great to hear @HuntyCaller back on commentary at @BrightonRace . What a man. Wishing him the best of everything.”
In a joint statement, Hunt and Amy previously said their devastation ‘cannot be put into words’.
They said: “We would like to thank people for their kind messages and for the support we have received in recent days.
“These have provided great comfort to us for which we are very grateful.
“While this is happening, we would ask that our privacy and that of our wider family and relations be respected at this time. Thank you.”
Hunt’s decision to return to work showed he is trying to get back to some sort of normality – though life will never be the same again.
The entire racing world rallied round the hugely popular personality as news of the horrific tragedy spread.
More than 50 people attended a vigil held at St James’s Church near the scene with hundreds of tributes and flowers placed nearby.
A minute’s silence was held at Newmarket racecourse in Suffolk and jockeys wore black armbands in tribute.