Wildlife presenter Johnny Kingdom has died following an accident on his land, his family confirmed.
Fans have been paying tribute on social media after the film-maker, photographer and author – who specialised in his local area of Exmoor and north Devon – passed away at the age of 79.
Police were called to a field near Wadham Cross in Knowstone, Devon, to reports that a digger had rolled over at about 9pm on Thursday.
Emergency services attended and Mr Kingdom was pronounced dead at the scene.
More sad news today, proud Devonian and wildlife expert #JohnnyKingdom has passed away. Many years ago I produced a live event with this legend, it an event I’ll never forget. Rest in peace Sir pic.twitter.com/uPfYPOl4gg
— Patch Jobson (@PatchJobson) September 7, 2018
In a statement, his family said: “This is a short message from the family, unfortunately a legend has been lost. Johnny would want you all to continue with his love for Exmoor as you all meant so much to him.
“As the loving man himself would have said: ‘Farewell to all you lovely people.’ RIP 23/02/39- 06/09/18.”
Mr Kingdom’s family asked for privacy following his death.
His agent Hilary Knight said: “Today we have lost one of the last true characters of rural Britain.
“Johnny Kingdom embodied all the attributes that are associated with true countrymen. Born and bred an Exmoor man through-and-through he loved his Devon patch and all the flora and fauna within.
“He lit up our TV screens with his enthusiasm and passion. He became a very proficient photographer and cameraman and his work became very sought after.
“The various Devon shows, and in particular South Molton market, will be a sadder place without his cheery presence. He will be sadly missed.”
His literary agent, Jane Turnbull, said: “Johnny Kingdom could have been the model for Rooster Byron in Jerusalem. A man of tremendous energy, charisma, kindness and passion for his native moor, he embodied a way of life that will soon be gone forever.”
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of one of our clients Johnny Kingdom. R.I.P he will be greatly missed.
— HK Management Ltd (@HKManagementLtd) September 7, 2018
A spokeswoman for Devon and Cornwall Police said officers were called to a single-vehicle collision in the field on Thursday night.
“It was reported that a digger had rolled over in a field,” the force spokeswoman said.
“Emergency services attended and a 79-year-old local man was pronounced dead at the scene.
“His next of kin are aware.”
Scores of fans and colleagues have been paying tribute to Mr Kingdom on social media and sending their condolences to his family.
https://twitter.com/MrSteveHarris/status/1038047191963713537
Very sad to hear the death of #Devon wildlife photographer and legend, Johnny Kingdom. RIP Johnny. #wildlifephotography #exmoor pic.twitter.com/sNUHEGesNi
— JONATHAN MARK 🎤 (@JonathanMarkUK) September 7, 2018
Very very sad to hear about the loss of Johnny Kingdom. A gentle soul passionate about wildlife and the countryside in Devon. Terrible loss for his family and teaching us all about the environment.
— Steve Horscroft (@shorscroft68) September 7, 2018
RIP #JohnnyKingdom a very sad loss to North Devon, Exmoor and the entire animal kingdom. His enthusiasm and passion for wildlife and his home county was endless.
— The Veterans Charity (@VETERANSCHARITY) September 7, 2018
So sad to hear that Wildlife lover Johnny Kingdom has died. He inspired a lot of wildlife watchers. Such a humble down to earth man, a wildlife legend RIP #JohnnyKingdom
— ✨Little Parry✨ (@MadameCupcakes) September 7, 2018
terribly sad to hear Johnny Kingdom has died. Such an enthusiast for our nature. He always seemed to be really loud but when I met him @TheBirdfair he was quiet, genuine and 100% sincere, rest in peace Johnny.
— Phil Gatley (@PhilGatley) September 7, 2018
RIP #johnnykingdom a local legend. Saw sight of him only few weeks ago in the market setting up his stall #barnstaple #panniermarket #exmoor #northdevon
— Barnstaple Window Cleaner (@oceanmistclean) September 7, 2018
https://twitter.com/Marksperegrine/status/1038033271060398080
Before becoming a film-maker, Mr Kingdom worked as a farmer, quarryman, forestry worker, gravedigger and poacher.
He was lent a video camera following a tractor accident and developed a passion for recording wildlife.
In 2006, the BBC screened a 10-part series about his life entitled Johnny Kingdom: A Year On Exmoor.
Mr Kingdom wrote an accompanying book, A Wild Life On Exmoor, followed by Bambi And Me, and West Country Tales.
He was well-known for taking pictures of red deer – particularly stags – and badgers.
Share your memories of Johnny on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix.