BBC Breakfast's Carol Kirkwood in tears after colleague's 'sad' death

Carol Kirkwood was flooded with support after she penned a tearful tribute to her BBC colleague Jay Wynne. The weather presenter died in June at the age of 56 after a long-term illness, his brother confirmed to BBC News. He joined BBC Weather in October 2000 and was a regular forecaster on BBC News at Ten. Tributes have poured in for the forecaster following the tragic news. Carol, 63, took the opportunity to offer her condolences to Jay in an emotional post.

Taking to X on Friday, the BBC Breakfast weather host wrote: "So saddened to hear of the passing of our lovely friend and colleague Jay Wynne. He was such a kind and gentle man ... and in all the years I knew him, I never heard him talk ill of anyone."

She continued: "You will be sorely missed Jaybo [tear emoji]. Condolences to all Jay's family. RIP xxx."

The meteorologist's 247,000 followers flocked to comment on the post as one penned: "So sorry for your loss. I remember him and his smile."

Another remarked: "Sorry to hear this Carol. 56 is far too early to be taken from us."

A third echoed: "RIP Jay."

BBC weather presenter Tomasz Schafernaker tweeted: "R.I.P. Jay."

His brother Matthew announced the news in a statement which read: "Jay had a gift for gentle clarity, making his forecasts for sometimes complex weather systems feel accessible and engaging.

"A keen skier, golfer and musician, Jay enjoyed travelling to pursue his sporting interests."

He concluded: "We will miss his wisdom, generosity and dry sense of humour."

Before deciding on his future career in weather, Wynne studied Civil Engineering at university, dropping out two years into the course.

He then worked on a North Sea offshore oil rig for three years as a technician, before going back to university to study Environmental Geography.

Wynne also worked as an English teacher in Fukuoka, Japan before studying for his masters degree.

His Met Office training involved a six-month secondment at RAF Northolt and lasted 14 months in total.