Comedian Tony Knight Dies at 54
Comedian Tony Knight has tragically passed away following a “terrible accident” at the Rock & Cars Festival in Lavaur, France. The 54-year-old was struck by a large falling tree branch in June, as confirmed by a family member to Fox News Digital. “He was only 54 and having the time of his life,” the family member shared. “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.”
According to French media reports, the accident occurred when a large tree branch fell on Knight and several other individuals at the festival. Unfortunately, Knight was the only one who did not survive. The incident has left his family and friends in deep shock and mourning.
Knight was not only known for his comedic talents but also for his work with dogs as a “Dog Listener.” His website describes him as having “helped thousands of dog owners all over the world solve problem dog behavior with simple techniques that use no force, pain, domination, drugs, or gadgets.” Through his work, Knight appeared on several television and radio shows, gaining respect and admiration from dog owners globally.
Joanne Allen, the sister of Knight’s longtime partner Hayley Wright, set up a GoFundMe page to help cover the costs associated with Knight’s sudden passing. “Hayley is now living her worst nightmare and facing life without Tony, her soulmate,” Allen wrote. “She is in Bouillac having to deal with the difficulties of Tony being an Englishman with Australian residency living in France, arranging a funeral, covering hospital expenses, meeting police detectives, doctors, and the mayor, visiting the accident site, and sorting Tony’s estate, all while experiencing a crushing amount of grief and disbelief in a foreign country.”
Knight’s partner Hayley penned a heartfelt tribute to him on Instagram a few days after his death. “He was an exceptionally talented man, with so many strings to his bow,” she wrote. “There really was nothing he couldn’t do. He was a fantastic friend to so many, an amazing dog Dad….but most of all he was my world & it will never be the same without him.”
“He would probably end this with a joke, but that was his talent & not mine….he really did see the bright side of every situation. I’m truly heartbroken & in shock,” she concluded.
Knight’s comedy set, “Mad Dogs and an Englishman,” was performed in Australia and overseas. He was about to embark on a string of shows in the United Kingdom. His passion for dogs and comedy made him a beloved figure in both fields. “His passion was dogs and he helped people all over the world with his classes both in person, online, on radio and television, ebooks, and more,” Allen wrote. “He was very well respected and admired. His method worked and he loved helping people with their dogs.”
Knight had spent the last part of his life with loved ones, based on a family farm near Beaufort for the past four years. “He just put his mind to something and he did it! He had been very happy,” Allen added.
The accident occurred amid fair weather conditions, with no signs of wind or a storm. Witnesses recounted the sound of the branches cracking, followed by screams and the arrival of help. Many were shocked to have witnessed the scene, with some explaining that they had been sitting at the site of the accident just minutes before.
Knight’s sudden death has left a void in the lives of those who knew and loved him. His family and friends are still trying to comprehend the freak accident that took his life. “We are beyond devastated that his life was taken by a freak accident … an accident that we are all still trying to comprehend,” his family said.
As of July 5, people had donated $8,501 to the GoFundMe page to help cover Knight’s funeral, medical bills, and the costs of figuring out his estate. The situation has been complicated due to Knight being “an Englishman with Australian residency living in France.”
Knight’s legacy as a comedian and dog trainer will continue to live on through the countless lives he touched. His unique approach to dog training and his comedic talent made him a beloved figure in both communities. His sudden and tragic death serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the impact one individual can have on the world.
Source: Fox News Digital, Le Tarn Libre, GoFundMe
