On Tuesday evening, July 9, 2024, the tranquil town of Bushey, Hertfordshire, England was disrupted when the wife and two daughters of John Hunt, a BBC horse racing commentator, were tragically killed in their residence.
Carol Hunt, 61, along with her daughters Hannah, 28, and Louise, 25, lost their lives in an assault involving a crossbow. The alleged attacker, 26-year-old Kyle Clifford, known to be Louise Hunt’s former boyfriend, was captured following a city-wide search and was treated for injuries.
Police arrived at the Hunt family home on Ashlyn Close shortly before 7 p.m. to find the three women gravely injured. Authorities believe the women were held tied up and gagged for several hours before the actual attack. “Sadly, despite their best efforts, the women died a short time later,” reported Jon Simpson, the local policing commander for Hertfordshire Constabulary, at a press briefing.
The authorities categorized the assault as a “targeted incident” and initiated an intense search for Clifford. He was found the next day at Lavender Hill Cemetery, Enfield with serious self-inflicted stab wounds to the chest and was subsequently hospitalized and placed under police guard.
Detective Inspector Justine Jenkins of the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit underscored the emotional strain on the victims’ family, requesting respect for their privacy during this difficult time.
“This remains an extremely challenging period for the family of the victims, and we kindly request that their privacy be honored as they process this tragic event,” stated Jenkins. She also pointed out that early identification of the victims had compounded the family’s distress.
Expressions of sympathy and condolences have been received from colleagues and the wider horse racing community. “Today’s news about John Hunt’s family is heartbreaking,” a note to BBC staff read. The Hunts were described by colleagues as “beautiful souls” and “the loveliest, gentlest family.”
Locals and friends have expressed their sorrow and shock. Neighbor Su Kehinde defined the family as “the meekest human beings. They did not deserve this. They were beautiful souls.” Another resident, Glyn Nicholas, fondly recalled Louise’s successful dog grooming enterprise, demonstrating the community’s deep admiration and affection for the family.
Clifford, the suspect, a former British Army soldier who served briefly before leaving in 2022, was familiar to the family due to his previous relationship with Louise. Sources indicate that Clifford’s relationship with Louise was controlling, limiting her social activities and behavior.
The authorities have secured the crossbow used in the attack and are exploring the possibility of additional weapons. In response to the attack, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has requested an urgent reassessment of crossbow regulations. “We keep legislation under constant review,” a Home Office spokesperson said, indicating that a call for evidence was initiated earlier this year to evaluate if further crossbow controls are necessary.
The untimely deaths of Carol, Hannah, and Louise Hunt have deeply affected their community and the broader horse racing industry. To remember their lives, friends and colleagues have arranged for memorials and vigils.
