Comedian Tony Knight dies after large branch falls on him in bizarre accident

It’s a sad day for comedy fans and dog lovers. Comedian Tony Knight has died in a terrible accident, his family says. The comedian was at the Rock’&’Cars Festival in Lavaur, France, when the accident occurred.

“(Knight) was only 54 and having the time of his life,” his family said. “He was fit, healthy, happy and had everything he wanted. He was charismatic, funny, passionate and very loved by (his partner) Hayley, his family and friends around the world.”

During the festival, a large branch fell from a tree onto Knight and several other festival-goers. Others were injured, but Knight was the only one to die from the branch. Joanne Allen, the sister of Knight’s long-time partner Hayley Wright, set up a GoFundMe campaign for the comedian.

She wrote: “Tony was my sister’s partner for over 15 years. They were perfect for each other and had built a wonderful life around their love of dogs. Tony was Hayley’s everything and vice versa… soulmate was no understatement. Tony tragically lost his life in his beloved France on Saturday 7th June when he was involved in a terrible accident at the Rock&Cars Festival in Lavaur. He was only 54 and was having the time of his life.”

Tony Knight in memory

According to GoFundMe, Knight’s death is a huge burden for his partner.

“Hayley is living her worst nightmare, facing life without Tony, her soulmate,” Allen writes. “She is in Bouillac, dealing with the difficulties of Tony being an Englishman with Australian residency living in France. She must arrange a funeral, pay hospital bills, meet police detectives, doctors and the mayor, visit the scene of the accident and settle Tony’s estate, all while experiencing overwhelming grief and bewilderment in a foreign country.”

Outside of his comedy work, Knight worked with dogs. He was also known as the Dog Listener. He “helped thousands of dog owners around the world resolve problem dog behavior using simple techniques that do not involve force, pain, dominance, drugs or devices.”

After his death, another person wrote: “Jo and I and our children Paddy, Molly and Rosie adored Tony and are still in a state of incomprehension over this tragedy. He and Hayley were a wonderful team and visited us in New Zealand many times, most recently in March. Tony was a talented and loyal friend who loved life and we loved him. We send all our love to dear Jan in England and Hayley in France.”