Tony Knight, a British comedian aged 54 and also known as the “Dog Listener,” passed away due to a large tree branch that fell on him during a music festival dubbed “Rock and Cars” in Lavaur, southern France on June 7, 2024. The incident additionally injured four other individuals.
Knight, renowned for his appealing and lively persona both on and off the stage, was on his annual trip to France, which he took for relaxation and work-related purposes. He was looking forward to a series of comedy performances in the United Kingdom and dog training sessions across Europe.
Joanne Allen, the sister of Hayley Wright, Knight’s long-time partner, conveyed the significant impact of Knight’s passing on their family and friends. “He was only 54 and having the time of his life, fit, healthy, happy, and had everything going for him,” Allen wrote on a GoFundMe page created to raise funds for funeral expenses and other costs related to this unexpected tragedy. The page also sheds light on the challenges Wright faced dealing with the aftermath in a foreign country, further complicated by Knight’s legal status as an Englishman with Australian residency living in France.
Expressing his condolences, Bernard Carayon, the mayor of Lavaur, emphasized the unprecedented nature of the accident. “Never has such a dramatic event occurred in our city,” he stated, reflecting the community-wide shock and grief.
Knight had recently paid off a house in Bouillac, France, where he planned to live with Wright. The couple, who met 15 years ago when Knight aided Wright in treating her dog’s anxiety, enjoyed a deep relationship and often traveled together across Europe during the northern summer.
Allen fondly remembered Knight as a family entertainer and a cherished individual known for his humor, charisma, and passion. Knight was loved by his partner Hayley, his family, and his friends, she noted.
In the wake of Knight’s passing, there has been a surge of support and tributes from those who knew him. His humane and effective dog training methods, which avoided the use of force or gadgets, had earned him worldwide respect and admiration. Knight had appeared on many television and radio shows and was planning to extend his professional influence with forthcoming shows and training sessions.