Tributes flow from Victorian friends of allegedly murdered former TV presenter Jesse Baird

Victorians have rallied around the mum of former TV presenter and ex Diamond Creek footballer and umpire, Jesse Baird, following news he and his partner Luke Davies were allegedly murdered by a NSW police officer.

The alleged murder of former Network 10 presenter Jesse Baird has prompted an outpouring of grief in the tight-knit community of Diamond Creek.

Mr Baird, a Network 10 presenter and AFL goal umpire, grew up in Diamond Creek and attended nearby Loyola College.

College principal Alison Leutchford told the Sunday Herald Sun Mr Baird was a “much-loved member” of the school, who left an impression on his teachers and classmates.

“School staff, including myself, fondly remember Jesse playing the lead role of Danny Zuko in the school production of Grease, and playing in the College’s First XVIII football team.

“The Loyola College community’s thoughts and prayers are with Jesse and Luke’s families and friends during this incredibly difficult time.”

Jesse Baird in NFL Umpire uniform.

There has been an outpouring of grief from the Victorian football community for Jesse Baird.

Mr Baird’s heartbroken mother, Helen, who still lives in Diamond Creek, is understood to have flown to Sydney as NSW police on Saturday began the search for the bodies of her son and his partner, Luke Davies.

In a moving tribute, Ms Baird on Saturday posted a photo of her son with the beloved family dog.

Family friends, neighbours and Diamond Creek locals described Mr Baird as a “kind, caring and beautiful soul” and a “young man with a heart of gold”.

Mr Baird was a passionate junior footballer with the Diamond Creek Demons, before going on umpire at an elite level.

Northern Football League chief executive Martin Stillman said Mr Baird “thoroughly deserved” his promotion to umpiring at the AFL level, where he officiated 62 matches including two finals matches.

Jesse Baird in Melbourne: Source: Instagram

The AFLUA says it’s shattered to learn of the tragic death of Jesse Baird.

Mr Baird moved to Brisbane in early 2017 to pursue his career in television.

During his time as a roving entertainment reporter with Studio 10 — alongside Sarah Harris and Tristan Macmanus, and his subsequent move to Sydney in October 2022 — his profile quickly rose.

Among hundreds of tributes on social media, Mr Baird’s friend Rob Stott, said he had asked Mr Baird to be his future child’s godfather.

Mr Stott, a media industry figure, described his mate as a compassionate man who “touched so many peoples’ lives”.

“Mate, I really don’t know how we will all get through this and it seems like we never will right now, but your kindness, love, support and compassion for everyone, really touched so many peoples lives,” he said.

“You will forever be in our lives and I know that you will still be remembered as one of the best people we have ever met.”

Mr Baird’s cousin Austin Baird described Jesse as his “first ever best friend” and someone he told “things I’d never tell anyone”.

Luke Davies (left) and Jesse Baird (right) in the Hunter Valley. Picture: Instagram

Jesse Baird's mum Helen has paid tribute to her late son on social media. Picture: Facebook

“I am beyond devastated.

“I still can’t believe it … you were one in a million, you cared about everyone and left such an impact on every person you met,” he said in a moving tribute posted online.

“I’ll love and remember you forever mate.

AFL chief executive officer Andrew Dillon said: “The entire AFL family’s thoughts are with both Jesse and Luke’s families, as well as our umpiring and broader team during this very difficult time.”

The AFL Umpire Association, in a statement, said it was shattered to learn of the “tragic death of friend and colleague”.

“Jesse was an amazing and talented young man. We are lost for words and devastated by this tragic news.”

“Our thoughts are also with the family of Jesse’s partner Luke.

“These are deeply sad circumstances.”