Comedian Tony Knight dies in 'terrible accident'

Comedian Tony Knight has died at the age of 54. 

Fox News reports that his death was the result of a "terrible accident."

The accident, according to the outlet, took place in June, when Knight was attending a "Rock & Cars" Festival in Lavaur France.

Fox obtained this information from members of Knight's family.

Here's what happened:

While Knight was at the festival, on June 7, 2024, a substantial tree branch fell on top of him and some other individuals at the festival. "[A] large tree branch fell on top of Knight and several other individuals at the festival," Fox reports.

Knight, however, was the only one of the individuals whom the branch fell on who lost his life.

His family has put out a statement, saying:

At the time of his accident he was heading to his beloved Bouillac in the south of France where he has a home and friends waiting for his annual return. Hayley [his partner] was to follow soon, as they did every year at this time . . . We are beyond devastated that his life was taken by a freak accident . . . an accident that we are all still trying to comprehend.

The family added, "He was only 54 and having the time of his life. 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."

His family has set up a GoFundMe page, which, at the time of this writing, has raised over $5,000. The family is hoping to raise around $14,000.

Who was Knight?

Knight was known, publicly, for a couple of things. One was his comedy. He, in fact, was just getting ready to do a tour in the United Kingdom.

But, he is also known for his work with dogs.

Fox reports:

His website describes Knight 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."

On their GoFundMe page, the family provides more insight, writing, "[Knight's] 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. He was very well respected and admired. His method worked and he loved helping people with their dogs."

"Tony ..we will love and miss you forever. Life will not be the same but we will wrap our arms around your beloved Hayley," the family wrote.