John Hunt’s friend recalls how father would show off family pictures

A friend of John Hunt whose wife and two daughters were murdered in a crossbow attack has told how the proud father would often show off pictures of his family. 

Richard Hoiles, who has known the BBC racing commentator for 30 years, recalled how John, as ‘one of the most respected and liked members of the press room’, would regularly share with colleagues details of his home life.

The ITV commentator said that he and many others ‘felt we knew’ Mr Hunt’s wife Carol, 61, and their daughters Louise, 25, and Hannah, 28, who were found fatally injured at their home in Bushey, Hertfordshire, on Tuesday. 

He added the doting father-of-three was known to share pictures of his daughters at primary school with ‘random bar staff’ and ‘anyone else who would care to listen’. 

Mr Hoiles’ comments come amid a wave of tributes from the world of racing and sport which has continued to rally round Mr Hunt. 

Richard Hoiles said in an emotional tribute at the Newmarket horse race today: ‘It’s impossible to rationalise such a heinous pointless and terrible act in modern day society really.

‘I’ve known John for 30 years we started out together and during that time he’s become one of the most respected and liked members of the press room. 

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‘Respected because of his fantastic ability not just in racing but in other sports such as swimming for the BBC at the Olympics and liked because of his easy going personality, good sense of humour, his excellent company and if you spend even a few moments in his company the odds are that talk would turn to family. 

‘There are plenty of people in the press room I have no idea of their family but we all felt we knew Carol and the girls possibly far better than we actually did. 

The racing commentator continued: ‘It is a bit of folklore that after our annual shindig at Christmas 20 years ago we would all retire to the local pub and out would come John’s wallet with pictures of the girls at primary school which he would share with random bar staff and anyone else who would care to listen.

‘In the helter skelter of modern day life it is quite easy to lose track of the things that we hold dear but John never has. I know I hugged my kids tighter last night on leaving for here, knowing that that simple pleasure has been cruelly snatched away from one of mine and many in the press room’s greatest friends. 

‘Words just seem hollow and inadequate in such circumstances and all we can try and do is provide some crumb of comfort by trying to exhibit the warmth and respect in which John and his family is held as will be shown by the many tributes that will be held up and down the country today.’ 

Michael Owen paid tribute to the racing commentator, whose voice is known by millions with a post on X.

He wrote: ‘And while the country celebrates, spare a thought for John Hunt. I can’t remember feeling so utterly horrified in years. Those poor girls. Truly horrific.’

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The former footballer’s grief was echoed by BBC Breakfast presenters Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt who delivered the devastating news from the studio.

Ms Munchetty said: ‘It’s a horrific story. Tributes are being paid to three women who have been killed in a crossbow attack in Hertfordshire.’

While reporter Aruna Iyengar who was outside the family home in Bushey described people leaving wreaths and flowers.

Condolence messages on the tributes included ‘I wish none of this were real’ as bunches of flowers line the quiet street where Mr Hunt’s wife and two daughters, Louise and Hannah, were found.

Presenter Dan Walker also showed his support, writing on X: ‘The football was amazing last night and we are so blessed to have brilliant commentators in the UK. 

‘John Hunt is one of the best and his world was ripped apart yesterday when his wife and daughters were murdered. Mark Chapman knows himself how brutal life can be at times. 

‘Give yourself a moment to listen to how he introduced the football after the news about his colleague and friend had just been reported in the bulletin before he started’ 

This morning Zoe Ball stopped her BBC Radio 2 programme to share her support and send her condolences to Mr hunt.

She said: ‘I must say, everyone at the is heartbroken and deeply shocked at the news. Our thoughts and prayers are with John Hunt… we are holding you in our heart, John.’  

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Dominic King, The Mail’s racing correspondent showed his heartfelt support for the BBC 5 Live reporter in a social media post. 

He wrote: ‘John Hunt is a master of his craft but, above all, he’s the very best of men. He’s warm, generous and he’ll help anyone, anywhere. 

‘If you’re fortunate to befriend Hunty, you can consider yourself blessed. The horror and evil, then, that has entered his life is unimaginable. 

‘Please keep him in your thoughts.’

Sky and ITV horse racing reporter Matt Chapman also took to social media to rally round Mr Hunt following the shocking murder of his family.

The pundit posted: ‘No words needed for what has happened to John Hunt and family today. 

‘Impossible to comprehend the pain. Just know we are all here for you John. We love you pal – racing loves you’

Other commentators also shared their condolences and urged the public to keep the racing reporter in their hearts. 

Sky Sport’s presenter Jacqui Oatley took to X with a picture of Mr Hunt, writing: ‘I couldn’t/didn’t want to tweet about football yesterday due to the utter horror of hearing about John Hunt’s family. Notice how everyone else who knows John Hunt has said the same thing. 

‘What a truly lovely, wonderful man he is. He has so much support. He’ll need it’ 

ITV Sport’s Mark Pougatch posted: ‘There is football tonight but much more importantly there is John Hunt and family to keep in your thoughts and hearts and prayers.’  

Chad Yeomans, head of communications for gambling company Betway said: ‘In light of today’s deeply saddening news, I’ve created a JustGiving page to support our good friend, John Hunt. 

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‘I would really appreciate it if you could share this as far and wide as possible. We’re all here for you’

His fundraiser has so far collected almost £2,000 and will go to supporting Mr Hunt.  

The outpouring of grief and love for Mr Hunt and his family from the sporting community comes as jockeys at Kempton Park Racecourse donned black armbands as a mark of respect for the racing commentator’s loss.

Newmarket Racecourse in Suffolk will be holding a minute’s silence this afternoon to show support for Mr Hunt and his family.  

Yesterday BBC Radio 5 Live’s Mark Chapman opened his coverage of England’s semi-final by paying a tearful tribute to his colleague.

Speaking with a quivered voice on the radio this evening, sports presenter Chapman said: ‘This has been a heartbreaking day. John Hunt is our colleague, and our friend, not just to the current 5 Live Sport team, but to all of those who have worked here with him over the past 20 years. 

‘And also, to all of you who have enjoyed his superb commentaries. So, on behalf of everybody connected to 5 Live Sport, our love and thoughts and support are with John and his family.’ 

Sports broadcaster John Murray also paid tribute to Mr Hunt yesterday evening, telling the audience: ‘There is no one at BBC sport more supportive and enthusiastic than John.

‘All of us send our love to John and his family.’ 

Cornelius Lysaght described the tragedy as ‘such incomprehensible evil’ as he led the support for his BBC Radio colleague. 

Racegoers observed a minute’s silence while jockeys rode wearing black armbands on Wednesday evening to pay their respects to the family. 

At half time of last night’s England semi-final, Mark Pougatch echoed his thoughts to ITV’s audience. Commentator Sam Matterface then said: ‘That echoes our thoughts, a wonderful commentator and a wonderful man.’ 

Suspect Kyle Clifford became Britain’s most wanted man after police said they were hunting the ex-soldier in connection with the ‘murders’ of the women who were found fatally injured inside their £800,000 detached home on Ashlyn Close, Bushey. 

Police sources said the three women were tied up before being shot in a ‘targeted attack’ that may have also included ‘other weapons’ on Tuesday evening.  

Clifford who is the ex-boyfriend of John’s daughter Louise, was snared by police yesterday in Lavender Hill Cemetery, Enfield.  

The 26-year-old was seen being bundled into the back of an ambulance in the Hilly Fields area of Enfield by armed police and paramedics on Wednesday afternoon. 

Witnesses said they saw the suspect being stretchered away while receiving medical treatment before he was taken to Royal London Hospital.

Officers said ‘no shots were fired by police’ and Clifford is being treated at a major trauma centre for his injuries.