Following the deaths of his wife and two kids in a crossbow attack, BBC racing commentator John Hunt has advised people to “make the most of every day.”
On Tuesday, Carol Hunt, 61, and her daughters Hannah, 28, and Louise, 25, were discovered at their Bushey, Hertfordshire, home with grave injuries.
A day later, Kyle Clifford, 26, was discovered injured in the Hilly Fields neighborhood of Enfield, north London, and was taken into custody on suspicion of their murders.
Along with his third daughter Amy Hunt, the BBC 5 Live commentator and Sky Sports Racing broadcaster released a statement on Saturday stating that “the devastation we are experiencing cannot be put into words.”
To help the Hunt family, a GoFundMe website has been created with the goal of raising £50,000.
The fundraiser was organized by his friend and fellow broadcaster Matt Chapman, who stated that Mr. Hunt’s “biggest desire” was to make sure his surviving daughter would not have to worry about money for the rest of her life.
“Matty, the message I would tell everyone is you never know when it’s going to be the last day you see your family,” he told the BBC.
“There was no doubt in the message: live each day to the fullest because you never know.”
“Notwithstanding the horrid evil that’s swept through our lives, reeking devastation on an unimaginable scale, the counter to that has been the breathtaking messages of support, some of which are still to be read,” Mr. Hunt said in a statement that Mr. Chapman read to Sky Sports Racing viewers over the weekend.
“My oldest daughter Amy has been incredibly inspiring with her leadership and support for me, which I am attempting, incredibly attempting, to emulate.”
“Every message has felt as significant as a comforting hug.”
BBC star John Hunt has some wise words after losing his family
“We will overcome this; we are aware that many are concerned about us.” John, I’m sending love to everyone.
At the July Festival at Newmarket Racecourse in Suffolk, a minute of silence was observed in honor of Mr. Hunt’s family, and jockeys were seen wearing black armbands. Mr. Hunt’s colleagues expressed their “heartbreak” for the commentator.
Additionally, flowers were left at the Ashlyn Close scene. Messages such as “rest in peace” were affixed to some of the bouquets.
From the major crime team covering Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Hertfordshire, Detective Superintendent Rob Hall stated: “Our thoughts remain with the victims’ family at this tragic time.”
“We have now arrested a man as a result of the investigation progressing quickly.” Right now, inquiries are still being made.