BBC Racing Commentator John Hunt Shares Heartbreak in First Interview Since Devastating Family Murders
John Hunt, a well-known voice in horse racing commentary, has given a deeply emotional account of life after the tragic murders of his wife and two daughters. The BBC presenter, speaking nearly a year on from the horrific events in Bushey, Hertfordshire, described his ongoing struggle to process unimaginable loss and find hope amidst heartbreak.
The tragedy occurred on 9 July last year, when Kyle Clifford, the former partner of Hunt’s daughter Louise, arrived at the Hunt family home under the guise of returning Louise’s belongings. Clifford, 26, went on to murder Louise, aged 25, her older sister Hannah, 28, and their mother Carol, 61. The chilling attacks, carried out using a crossbow and knife, shattered a close-knit family and left a national audience stunned.
Speaking to the BBC, John Hunt revealed the depths of his grief. He described how mornings and evenings remain a poignant time, as he feels the presence of his lost family members. “From the moment I wake up, I say good morning to each of them,” he said. “I still talk to Hannah and Louise, telling them I’m with their mum now. At night, before I sleep, I chat to them as well—they remain so close to me.”
The court case earlier this year heard distressing details of Clifford’s actions that day. Doorbell camera footage played in court showed Carol Hunt calmly urging Clifford to change his behaviour in future relationships, moments before she was fatally attacked. Clifford later killed both of her daughters in similarly violent circumstances. The sentencing judge, Mr Justice Bennathan, described Clifford as “a jealous man soaked in self-pity” and imposed a whole life order, meaning Clifford will never be released from prison.
In the aftermath of the murders, John Hunt and his surviving daughter Amy provided tearful and moving victim statements. The pain in their words echoed across the courtroom and the wider public, resonating with all those watching. According to Hunt, his late daughter Hannah’s bravery played a crucial role in saving lives. Hannah managed to send a message to her boyfriend, prompting him to call emergency services and identify the suspect. “Her doing that has given me life,” Hunt reflected. “Every day, I remind myself of that and it helps me to keep going.”
Amy Hunt added her own perspective, recounting how the family initially saw little to worry about during her sister’s relationship with Clifford. They described the period as “unremarkable”, filled with ordinary gestures—holidays together, cooking and watching films. She insisted: “There was no indication he was capable of something so evil. None of us could ever have predicted the violence he was capable of.”
Both John and Amy have spoken candidly about surviving the aftermath. The devastation, they say, led to moments of deep despair and a sense of emptiness. John recalled: “I genuinely asked myself, ‘How will I ever be able to care about anything again?’ Sitting amidst the ruins of what used to be our happy family, the pain was overwhelming.”
Yet, their interview also conveyed a cautious message of hope. John Hunt stressed the importance of perseverance and seeking out glimmers of light, even in the darkest of times. “With a little bit of work, and allowing yourself to sit with your feelings, it is possible to start discovering hope again,” he explained. His words offer insight not only into personal grief, but also the resilience people can summon in extraordinary hardship.
The full account of their ordeal, and the continuing process of coming to terms with their loss, is available in a BBC interview titled “Standing Strong: The John and Amy Hunt interview with Victoria Derbyshire”, now on iPlayer.
The Hunt family’s courage in sharing their story publicly has been widely praised. Their experience continues to highlight the urgent need for awareness around domestic violence and the unpredictable nature of abusive relationships. As their community continues to mourn, their voices stand as a testament to love, resilience, and the ongoing journey to find strength in the face of unimaginable tragedy.