Comedian Tony Knight dies at 54 after ‘horrific’ tree branch accident

Tony Knight, a comedian from Great Britain, has died after a “terrible accident” involving a branch. He was 54 years old.

On June 7, Knight “tragically passed away” after being struck by a large tree branch at the Rock & Cars festival in Lavaur, France, according to a GoFundMe page set up by one of his family members.

At the time of his accident, Knight was reportedly on his way to the south of France, where his friends and family were waiting for his “annual return”.

“Tony was only in France for a few days before he was killed at a festival with his friend Pascall and never returned home,” the family member continued.

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

At the time of his death, a French media outlet reported that two branches had fallen from a large tree and killed Knight. Four other festival-goers were injured.

The accident occurred in fine weather and there were no signs of wind or storms. “Many witnesses who were present at 6 p.m. report the sound of branches cracking and screaming and then the arrival of help,” the outlet reported. “Many say they were shocked to witness the scene, with some stating they had been sitting at the accident site just minutes earlier.”

Knight was the only one who did not survive.

The GoFundMe page noted the comedian’s great passion for dogs and his help for people “all over the world.” In addition to his performances, he was also known for training dogs with behavioral problems, frequently appearing on radio and television and giving classes.

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Knight was scheduled to tour Australia and the UK with his stand-up show “Mad Dogs and an Englishman”.

“We are deeply saddened that his life was cut short in a bizarre accident… an accident that we are all still trying to comprehend,” the family member added on the page.