Tributes Flow for BBC Host’s Family Following Crossbow Attack

Jul 12

3 min read

Hertfordshire, UK – The tragic killing of BBC Five Live racing commentator John Hunt’s wife and two daughters has sent shockwaves through the community and beyond. The victims—Carol Hunt, 61, Hannah Hunt, 28, and Louise Hunt, 25—were brutally attacked on Tuesday night by Kyle Clifford, 26, a man reportedly known to the family.

The Attack and Arrest

Clifford was apprehended by police on Wednesday following an extensive manhunt. He is accused of carrying out a "targeted" attack with a crossbow in Hertfordshire, leaving the local community and the wider public in mourning. Authorities believe Clifford had prior connections with the Hunt family, which has added a layer of complexity and distress to the case.

Flowers and tributes at the scene where BBC host John Hunt's wife and daughters were tragically killed by a crossbow attack.

A Devastating Loss

Carol Hunt, a cherished wife and mother, was married to John Hunt, a well-known figure in the horse racing industry. The couple's three daughters, including the victims Hannah and Louise, were an integral part of their close-knit family. The loss of Carol, Hannah, and Louise has left a profound void, and tributes from friends, colleagues, and the broader community reflect the deep impact of their deaths.

Community Reactions

Heidi Dawson, the controller of BBC Radio, conveyed the station's collective grief in a heartfelt note to staff. "Our thoughts are with John and his family at this incredibly difficult time, and we will provide him with all the support we can," Dawson said. The BBC community has rallied around John Hunt, offering condolences and support as he navigates this unimaginable tragedy.

Fellow horse racing broadcaster Matt Chapman expressed his sorrow and solidarity on X (formerly known as Twitter). "Impossible to comprehend the pain. Just know we are all here for you John. We love you pal - racing loves you," Chapman wrote. This sentiment has been echoed by many within the racing community and beyond, reflecting the widespread shock and sympathy felt for John and his family.

Julie Harrington, Chief Executive of the British Horseracing Authority, also paid tribute to the victims, calling the incident "shocking and tragic." In her statement posted on X, Harrington noted, "It is impossible to comprehend the horror that has been inflicted upon them by this dreadful event. John is a great friend to many in our sport, and I am sure that in this time of unimaginable grief for him, the racing family will rally around as we have seen many times before when one of our number is faced with great trauma."

Remembering Hannah Hunt

Hannah Hunt, who worked as a skin therapist at The Anti Ageing Clinic in Radlett and ran her own beauty business, Hannah Grace Cosmetics, was remembered fondly by her colleagues and clients. The clinic posted a tribute on Facebook, expressing deep regret and sadness over her death. "It is with deep regret and sadness of the horrific murder on Tuesday night of our skin therapist Hannah. She was a fantastic therapist and clients loved her. We send our condolences and prayers to her Dad, sister, and family. She was very much a part of our team."

Ongoing Investigation

The case remains under active investigation as authorities seek to uncover the full circumstances surrounding the attack. Detective Superintendent Rob Hall from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit stated, "Our inquiries will continue over the coming days to ascertain the full circumstances of what happened." The police have urged anyone with information, photos, or videos related to the murders to submit them through the police's information portal, emphasizing the need for community assistance in solving the case.

Reflections on the Impact

The brutal nature of the attack and the loss of such beloved individuals have had a profound impact on those who knew them. The outpouring of tributes and support underscores the deep connections within the horse racing community and the broader public. As the investigation continues and the Hunt family grapples with their loss, the collective grief and solidarity from friends, colleagues, and the public highlight the enduring legacy of Carol, Hannah, and Louise Hunt.

The tragic events have brought to light the strength of community bonds and the shared sense of loss experienced by many. The heartfelt tributes and ongoing support for John Hunt and his family serve as a testament to the deep impact of the Hunt family's presence in the lives of those around them.