BBC broadcaster Gabby Logan and her family are in mourning following the death of her father, the revered Welsh footballer Terry Yorath, at the age of 75.
A Sudden Family Emergency on Air
The news comes after Logan, 52, was forced to make an abrupt exit while presenting BBC's Match of the Day on Wednesday night. She left the Premier League highlights programme due to what was described at the time as a "family emergency."
She was replaced approximately 20 minutes into the broadcast by fellow presenter Mark Chapman, who had been hosting a radio show. Chapman informed viewers: "Sadly, Gabby has got a family emergency that she’s had to rush off and deal with, so she’s gone to do that and I’ve come from the radio to finish the show."
Family's Heartfelt Tribute to a 'Gentle Man'
In a moving statement released by Gabby Logan and her siblings, they paid tribute to their father, highlighting the difference between his public persona and private life.
"To most he was a revered footballing hero, but to us he was Dad; a quiet, kind and gentle man," the statement read. "Our hearts are broken but we take comfort knowing that he will be reunited with our brother, Daniel."
The statement poignantly references a previous family tragedy. Logan's younger brother, Daniel, died suddenly at the age of 15 while playing football in the garden with his father. It was later determined he had hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a genetic heart condition.
A Footballing Legacy and Broadcasting Honour
Terry Yorath was a formidable figure in British football. Born in Cardiff, he earned 59 caps for Wales and was a key part of the legendary Leeds United team under manager Don Revie, helping them win the First Division title.
His daughter Gabby has carved her own distinguished career in sports broadcasting. She took over from Gary Lineker on the flagship Match of the Day programme last year, presenting alongside Chapman and Kelly Cates.
In a poignant coincidence, Logan was recently recognised in the King's New Year Honours list, being made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her services to broadcasting and charity.
The BBC and the Match of the Day team have expressed their condolences. The show posted a tribute on X, stating: "Leeds and Wales legend Terry Yorath has passed away, aged 75. The BBC sends its condolences to all the family, including his daughter Gabby Logan."
