Sky Sports' John Hunt whose family were murdered breaks silence on return to work
The BBC Radio 5 Live commentator and Sky Sports Racing presenter called the races at Brighton for the first time since the tragic deaths of his his wife and two daughters in July
A Sky Sports commentator whose wife and two daughters were brutally murdered has revealed why he has returned to work just six weeks later.
John Hunt surprised TV viewers by making a poignant return to the commentary box on Monday.
The BBC Radio 5 Live commentator and Sky Sports presenter called all seven races of the card at Brighton, which was shown on Sky Sports Racing.
It was his first appearance on the track since his wife Carol, 61, and two of their daughters Hannah, 28, and Louise, 25, were killed in their Bushey, Hertfordshire, home in July in what police described as a ‘targeted attack’ with a crossbow.
The universally popular Hunt stepped down from all commentary, missing the Paris Olympics at which he would have commentated on the swimming events for BBC, in the aftermath of the tragic events.
In a statement at the time he described the “unimaginable” devastation wrought upon his family by such “horrid evil”, adding he and surviving daughter Amy “will get through this”.
His reappearance at Brighton came as a surprise to Sky viewers with many well wishers welcoming him back.
Hunt’s colleague Mike Cattermole posted on X, “So good to hear the dulcet tones again of @HuntyCaller @BrightonRace this afternoon. A wonderful surprise! We’re all with you, John.”
And odds compiler James Knight wrote: “What looked a pretty dismal card at Brighton has been lit up by John Hunt - it's genuinely fantastic to hear him back commentating on the great game.”
Hunt explained he had made a deliberate choice to return to action at the Sussex seaside track.
He said: “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.
“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.
“The warmth from everyone at the track was so striking with hugs and kindness washing over me all day. 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."
A man has been arrested on suspicion of three counts of murder.
A spokesperson for Hertfordshire Police said: “A suspect remains in hospital and is receiving treatment, we will be guided by healthcare professionals.”
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