Kay McGrath shares news of fiance’s shock death in India

Former veteran newsreader Kay McGrath has been left devastated after her fiance and “soulmate” died suddenly while the two were on a trip together in India.

Kay McGrath with fiance Richard Moore in India. Picture: Instagram

• The High Steaks interview: ‘I’m so grateful I found him’

What was meant to be the trip of a lifetime has turned to terrible tragedy for much-loved TV personality Kay McGrath.

The 68-year-old McGrath was leading a tour through India when her fiance Richard Moore suffered a heart attack and died.

The shocking passing has left McGrath heartbroken.

Announcing the devastating news on Instagram, she said: “My darling fiance and soulmate Richard has passed away after suffering a sudden and totally unexpected heart attack in Agra, India.

Kay McGrath and Richard Moore were engaged in 2016. Pics Tara Croser.

“Local doctors did all they could to save him.

“The day before we’d shared such a special time at the Taj Mahal – designed to be ‘heaven on earth’ which gives me some comfort.

“I’ll always treasure that and all the wonderful memories we created together over many years.

“Richard was so loved and valued by family and friends.

“He leaves a huge hole in our hearts. A kind, smart, generous, wickedly funny and genuinely good man – we all miss you so much darling.”

Moore, a widely respected semi-retired businessman, has a daughter, Perri Moore, and young granddaughter Hunter.

He and McGrath have been engaged since 2016 and were sharing their time between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, where Moore was enjoying gardening and a quieter life in the hinterland.

McGrath, still in India, was hosting a tour for Imagine Holidays Australia and had been looking forward to visiting the country, with Moore by her side.

Joining them on the trip are long-term friends Chris Allen (previously with A Current Affair) and his wedding planner wife Cate Allen-Ducat.

Kay McGrath and Richard Moore in 2014.

The tour has continued on from Agra, without McGrath.

In an interview with the Sunday Mail in November 2024, McGrath, who is also known for her charity work, said she was so thankful to have Moore in her life.

“Richard is one year older, next year is a big number for him, and he’s offered very generously, in fact I told him (she laughs), and he’s going to tread water for 12 months and let me catch up and we’ll celebrate 70 together,” she said.

“Richard and I have found a rhythm and I’m so grateful I found him, we found each other.”

McGrath, who left her newsreading job with Channel 7 on her own terms in 2020, has since contributed to the network’s Weekender lifestyle program.

She was awarded an OAM in 2017 for her contribution to child protection and journalism, and remains keenly involved in charity work as an ambassador (since 1989) for Act for Kids and patron (since 2005) of the Daniel Morcombe Foundation.

She also is a member of the State Government Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Council, and in 2019 was recognised as a Queensland Great.

Originally published as Kay McGrath shares news of fiance’s shock death in India