Former BBC Grand National commentator John Hanmer has passed away today at the age of 82. Read on to find out how John Hanmer died, what happened to him, and what was his cause of death.
Hanmer was a highly revered personality in racing due to his services to the industry. He was the leading voice when runners crossed the Melling Road for years. Later, he received the nickname John “Melling Road” Hanmer.
Who was John Hanmer?
John Hanmer was a veteran of BBC racing coverage, best known for his work on the Grand National. He was part of the commentary team from 1972 to 2003. He also worked as Sir Peter O’Sullevan’s assistant BBC commentator between 1971 and 1997.
Hanmer is famous for working alongside a panel of legends including O’Sullevan, Julian Wilson and Jim McGrath. He mainly performed for the BBC as a “spotter” for them, but later took over the microphone after the live races were shown at the Grandstand.
Hanmer also worked as a jockey agent for jockeys such as Steve Cauthen and Mick Kinane. He also worked as a paddock commentator for the BBC alongside Jimmy Lindley.
How did John Hanmer die?
John Hanmer died on Sunday, November 27, 2022. He was 82 years old at the time of his death. Hanmer reportedly died peacefully in his home surrounded by his family. The tragic news of his death was confirmed in a post on social media.
Since the news of his passing went viral, fans and friends have been paying tribute to John Hanmer. Everyone remembers him as a legend and the most beautiful voice to ever comment on the sport.
John Hanmer dead: What was the cause of his death?
John Hanmer died earlier today at the age of 82. Statements confirming his death did not mention John Hanmer’s specific cause of death. However, we believe that he died of natural causes since he was very old.
In recent years, his condition has been deteriorating and his body was not physically well. She also began to have a series of old age related problems. Still, we are waiting for an official confirmation from her family.
They have yet to respond to our request to find more details about the manner and cause of his death. We will update this section once more information is released.
Floods of tributes for John Hanmer on social media
Social media platforms, especially Twitter, are abuzz with tributes, wishes, and prayers for John Hanmer, who recently passed away. His sudden passing has left everyone shocked.
Ian Bartlett, the current racing commentator who previously worked with Hanmer, was one of the first to pay tribute to the late man. “I had lunch with him two weeks ago and his memory for things going back to the ’50s was fantastic and he was still very sharp,” he said.
Racing TV presenter Lydia Hislop also paid tribute to Hanmer in an emotional post. “What a loss. He will be sorely missed,” she wrote on Twitter.
“RIP John ‘Melling Road’ Hanmer. A gentleman in every sense of the word,” wrote Brendan Powell.
Information on John Hanmer’s survivors is not available at this time. Our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. May God rest in peace to the soul of the deceased.