Comedian and ‘dog listener’ Tony Knight has died suddenly in a ‘freak’ accident, it has been revealed.
A family member confirmed that the British comic who lived in Australia died in June while attending the Rock ‘n’ Cars Festival in Lavaur, France.
‘He was only 54 and having the time of his life,’ they told Fox Digital News.
‘He was fit, healthy, happy and had everything going for him. He was charismatic, funny, passionate and so very loved by [his partner] Hayley, his family and his friends all over the world.’
The French media reported that the comedian was involved in a freak accident as a large tree branch fell onto Knight and five other people, with Knight being the only mortality.
The TV personality later died from the injuries he sustained from the accident.
Knight was a comic but also well known as a ‘dog listener’ and helped train pets to the stars. Per the Daily Mail, this included dogs owned by Molly Meldrum, Sonia Kruger and the Dubai Royal Family.
He frequently appeared on Australian TV and radio shows to discuss dog behaviour and share his knowledge.
The comedian was about to undertake a series of shows in the UK titled ‘Mad Dogs and an Englishman,’ which was also going to appear at Edinburgh Fringe.
The show was sold as ‘The world’s first ever comedy show about dog behaviour. Stand up (and sit).’
Knight had lived in Beaufort, Victoria, for four years and earlier this year he appeared at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
On the GoFundMe page to raise money for his funeral costs following his death, Knight’s sister-in-law, Joanne Allen, wrote about the accident.
‘Tony was tragically killed in his beloved France on Saturday 7th June following a terrible accident while attending the ‘Rock&Cars festival’ in Lavaur.’
She explained: ‘We are beyond devastated that his life was taken by a freak accident …an accident that we are all still trying to comprehend.’
Joanne later told Daily Mail Australia that he had just started to live the life he dreamed of, living in a quaint French town, working with dogs and travelling the world.
Fans were devastated about his sudden passing and took to social media to pay their respects.
‘Just heard the awful news I’m devastated- I feel like I’ve lost a friend My heart goes out to Hayley Jan and his family friends and Lewis and Gypsy of course Such a loss – life is so fragile 💔💔💔💔💔💔’ commented Ladyonthehills on the star’s final post on Instagram.
‘Thinking of you Hayley and sending all my love. ❤️🩹’ said
Michellespetsittingmumbles.
Knight is survived by his wife of 15 years, Hayley.
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James Parker is a UK-based entertainment aficionado who delves into the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry. From Hollywood to the West End, he offers readers an insider’s perspective on the world of movies, music, and pop culture.
