BBC and Sky Sports racing commentator John Hunt marked his return to broadcasting with a poignant on-air message on Monday, just 60 days after his wife and two daughters were murdered in a crossbow attack.
Carol Hunt, 61, and two of the couple’s daughters, Hannah, 28, and Louise, 25, were discovered fatally injured at their suburban home in Bushey, Hertfordshire, in July.
Horrifying details of the case shook the nation as it emerged that Carol had died from stab wounds to her chest and abdomen, while Hannah and Louise succumbed to injuries inflicted on them by crossbow bolts.
Louise’s ex-boyfriend Kyle Clifford, 26, was arrested on suspicion of the killings following a full-scale manhunt but the 26-year-old was hospitalised – due to a self-inflicted injury – and is still yet to be questioned by police.
Hunt and his surviving daughter, Amy, received countless messages of support from the sporting world and beyond, with BBC presenter Mark Chapman delivering a heartbreaking on-air tribute to his long-time colleague and friend.
As news of the triple murder spread, a GoFundMe fundraiser was set up for the much-loved broadcaster and his family, which has raised over £120,000 at the time of writing.
Hunt, who has worked for BBC Radio 5 Live for over 20 years, made his return to broadcasting on Monday, covering all seven races on the card at Brighton Racecourse for Sky Sports Racing.
After being greeted with hugs from fellow commentators in the press room, Hunt revealed the touching reason that he had chosen to return to the commentary box on the south coast.
‘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,’ Hunt told Sky Sports’ viewers.
‘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.’
Hunt thanked those who had passed on messages of support and said he and Amy were intent on taking ‘small steps forward’ whenever possible.
‘The warmth from everyone at the track was so striking with hugs and kindness washing over me all day,’ he added.
‘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.’
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