Kerri-Anne’s heartbreak after beloved husband John dies
Kerri-Anne Kennerley’s devastated TV colleagues have paid tribute to the star’s beloved husband John after his tragic death, with one presenter breaking down in tears.
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Kerri-Anne Kennerley has paid tribute to her beloved husband John, who has died at the age of 78.
The TV star announced on social media that John passed away at Sydney’s St Vincent’s Hospital last night, almost three years after suffering severe spinal injuries in a devastating accident.
It is understood he was admitted to hospital 10 days ago with a bacterial infection which developed into pneumonia.
This final complication was a devastating blow to his overall health.
Kennerley became a full-time carer for her husband in a matter of hours after he fell from a balcony at a golf course in Coffs Harbour in 2016.
MORE: Kerri-Anne and John’s unbreakable bond
He landed on his head and back, fracturing his C2 and C3 vertebrae. The accident left him paralysed from the neck down.
Kerri-Anne’s Studio Ten colleagues were overwhelmed with emotion today as host Sarah Harris announced the news of John’s death.
Entertainment reporter Angela Bishop was comforted by Joe Hildebrand as she broke down in tears.
Kerri-Anne Kennerley's husband John has sadly passed away. Our thoughts, love & prayers are with our co-host & her family during this time. pic.twitter.com/xlxriSdj4t
— Studio 10 (@Studio10au) February 27, 2019
In her emotional tribute on Instagram, TV icon Kerri-Anne called her husband “the love of my life”.
“It’s with a heavy heart and awful sadness that I let you know that my beautiful husband John passed away last night,” the star wrote.
“As you all know, John has faced some tremendous challenges over the past few years and with each he has been extraordinarily brave and determined to overcome those hurdles and live a normal life.”
MORE: Kerri-Anne on life after John’s accident
MORE: Biggest challenge of TV icon Kerri-Anne’s life
The devoted pair had been married for 35 years and lived in Sydney’s eastern suburbs. John was previously married and had a son, Simon.
Network 10 CEO Paul Anderson offered his deepest sympathies in a moving a statement.
“We would like to offer our deepest sympathies to Kerri-Anne Kennerley and John’s son Simon on the passing of their beloved husband and father John Kennerley,” he said.
“John faced some enormous challenges over the last few years and during this time, Kerri-Anne, in her usual grace and stamina, has shown enormous strength, compassion, love and commitment.
“Our thoughts are with Kerri-Anne, Simon and their family during this difficult time.”
John was in a coma after his freak accident in 2016 and, when he woke, was unable to move or speak.
After eight months of extensive rehab in hospital, John eventually regained the ability to talk and returned to the couple’s home.
“It’s not like other health issues when you are sick, and you get diagnosed and you are treated, you have a horrible time and you are better,” Kerri-Anne told The Sunday Telegraph.
“This is forever, quadriplegia, paraplegia is forever. It’s a steep learning curve that I haven’t finished yet.”
More to come
Originally published as Kerri-Anne’s heartbreak after beloved husband John dies
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