The peaceful community of Bushey, Hertfordshire, has been shattered by a horrific crossbow attack that claimed the lives of three members of the family of BBC racing commentator, John Hunt. Hunt and his daughter Amy have expressed their immeasurable grief, stating their devastation “cannot be put into words” following the tragic deaths of Carol Hunt, 61, Hannah Hunt, 28, and Louise Hunt, 25. The three women were fatally attacked at their home on Tuesday evening, leaving the family and the community in shock and mourning.
The late Carol Hunt pictured with her daughters Louise and Hannah, who tragically died in the Bushey crossbow incident.
In the wake of the appalling crime, a 26-year-old man, Kyle Clifford from Enfield, North London, was arrested on Thursday evening. He is currently held on suspicion of three counts of murder as the investigation into the crossbow attack continues. The news has sent ripples of sorrow and disbelief throughout the racing world, the BBC, and the wider public, highlighting the profound impact of this tragedy.
John Hunt, a well-known figure in sports broadcasting through his work with the BBC, and his daughter Amy released a joint statement expressing their profound sorrow and requesting privacy during this incredibly difficult time. They conveyed their deep appreciation for the outpouring of support they have received from friends, colleagues, and the public. “We would like to thank people for their kind messages and for the support we have received in recent days,” they stated, acknowledging the comfort these messages have provided as they begin to navigate their unimaginable loss.
BBC commentator John Hunt and his daughter Amy release a statement after the devastating crossbow attack.
The family’s statement further emphasized their need for space to grieve and come to terms with the enormity of the situation. “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.” This plea for privacy underscores the intensely personal nature of their grief as they grapple with the devastating consequences of the attack.
The depth of John Hunt’s pain was further articulated in a moving tribute read on Sky Sports Racing by his colleague Matt Chapman. Hunt paid heartfelt tribute to his “magnificently inspirational” daughter Amy, highlighting her strength and support during this darkest of times. He also spoke of the overwhelming comfort derived from the countless messages of condolence. “Every message has felt so important, the same as a reassuring hug,” he conveyed, illustrating the power of community support in the face of such profound sorrow. His words resonated deeply with viewers and further emphasized the human tragedy behind the headlines.
Flowers and tributes left in Bushey, Hertfordshire, as the community mourns the Hunt family.
The police investigation, led by Det Supt Rob Hall of the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit, is progressing rapidly. Authorities confirmed the discovery of a crossbow at the scene, which is central to their ongoing inquiries. The community of Bushey and beyond has rallied in support of the Hunt family, with floral tributes laid near the scene of the tragedy and a vigil held at St James’s Church. Additionally, the racing community demonstrated its solidarity with a minute’s silence at Newmarket Racecourse, where jockeys wore black armbands as a mark of respect. These collective acts of mourning and remembrance underscore the wide-reaching impact of the tragedy and the high regard in which the Hunt family, particularly John Hunt Bbc, is held.
