Popular BBC sports host John Hunt is opening up about the shocking crossbow killings of his wife and two daughters and hailing the bravery of his eldest daughter at such a trying time.
Hunt, a horse racing commentator for the BBC and Sky News, and his daughter, Amy, issued a statement Friday, acknowledging the outpouring of support they’ve received from the public through such an impossibly difficult situation.
The statement notes the pain they’ve been experiencing since Tuesday’s murders “cannot be put into words.”
Hunt and his daughter said they wanted “to thank people for their kind messages and for the support we have received in recent days,” saying the messages “have provided great comfort to us, for which we are very grateful.”
Hunt’s 61-year-old wife, Carol, and his daughters Louise Hunt, 25, and Hannah Hunt, 28, were killed. Kyle Clifford, 26, a deranged veteran who was also Louise’s ex-boyfriend, has been charged with their murders.
Clifford was arrested by U.K. authorities on Wednesday following a massive manhunt.
“Notwithstanding the horrid evil that’s swept through our lives, reeking devastation on an unimaginable scale, the counter to that has been the breathtaking messages of support, some of which are still to be read,” reads the statement.
“Amy, my eldest daughter, has been magnificently inspirational with her control and support for me, which I am trying, trying so hard, to replicate,” it continues. “Every message has felt so important, the same as a reassuring hug. We know people are worried about us, we will get through this.”
Police continue to investigate the murders.
All three victims were found dead inside the Hunt family residence in Hertfordshire, south of London.
Detectives have said they were likely tied up for several hours before being killed with a crossbow.