Zoe Ball halts Radio 2 show to send emotional message to BBC's John Hunt after tragic family murder
Zoe Ball paused her BBC Radio 2 show to deliver a heartfelt message to John Hunt, following the tragic loss of his wife Carol, aged 61, and daughters Hannah, 28, and Louise, 25, in a shocking crossbow incident.
The harrowing event took place at a residence in Ashlyn Close, Bushey, Hertfordshire, on Tuesday, where the women were found with fatal injuries. Kyle Clifford, 26, the man suspected of the triple homicide, was discovered on Wednesday afternoon in a graveyard after an extensive manhunt.
Zoe, 53, shared a touching tribute right after Tina Daheley's news segment, telling listeners: "I must say, everyone at the BBC is heartbroken and deeply shocked at the news. Our thoughts and prayers are with John Hunt... we are holding you in our heart, John."
John, who has been a respected voice on BBC Radio 5 Live for nearly 20 years, has been remembered as an "outstanding commentator and broadcaster" amid a flood of tributes.
Colleagues received a memo on Wednesday confirming that the BBC is ready to provide "all the support we can". The memo read: "The news today about John Hunt's family is utterly devastating. Our thoughts are with John and his family at this incredibly difficult time and we will provide him with all the support we can."
Mark Chapman, who also presents on Radio 5 Live, expressed his "love and thoughts" for his colleague John Hunt during what he described as a "heartbreaking day".
Teary-eyed Mark addressed the audience at the start of the Euro 2024 pre-match show on 5 Live, saying: "John Hunt is our colleague and our friend, not just to the current 5 Live sports team but to all of those who have worked here with him over the past 20 years.
"On behalf of everybody connected to 5 Live Sport, our love and thoughts and support are with John and his family."
BBC Racing correspondent Cornelius Lysaght added: "There are no words. Like everyone else I feel numb and sick on John's behalf at such incomprehensible evil. Everyone who knows John knows he is the absolute archetypal family man, so proud of them, so it's impossible to know what he can be going through."
Cornelius continued: "But I know I'm speaking for the whole racing community and the whole wider sports media community as well, both of which he's been part of for so long, when I say everyone is sending sympathy, love and support to him. It's just awful."
