Comedian Tony Knight dies at 54 after ‘terrible accident’

Originally published on E! Online

Tony KnightHis family honors his legacy after his tragic death.

The comedian was attending the Rock&Cars festival in June when he was involved in a “terrible accident,” a family member said Joanne Allen confirmed in a GoFundMe message.

“He was only 54 and having the time of his life. He was fit, healthy, happy and had everything he needed,” said Joanne, the sister of Tony’s long-term partner Hayley Wrightwrote. “He was charismatic, funny, passionate and much loved by Hayley, his family and friends around the world.”

“At the time of his accident, he was on his way to his beloved Bouillac in the south of France, where he has a home and friends awaiting his annual return,” she continued. “Hayley was due to follow soon, as they did every year at this time.”

According to the post, Tony had only been in France for a few days before he lost his life.

“We are deeply saddened that his life was cut short by a bizarre accident,” Joanne added, “an accident that we are all still trying to comprehend.”

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According to local reports, an unidentified man was killed and four others injured when “two large branches” fell from a tree on the festival site.

A few days after the incident, Tony’s partner Hayley paid tribute to him in a moving message.

“He was an exceptionally talented man with so many gifts,” she wrote on Instagram on June 11. “There was truly nothing he couldn’t do. He was an amazing friend to so many, an amazing dog dad… but most of all he was my world and it will never be the same without him.”

“He would probably end this with a joke, but that was his talent and not mine… he really did see the positive side in every situation,” Hayley concluded. “I’m really heartbroken and shocked.”