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Johnny Kingdom’s publicist confirmed to Express.co.uk that he had died last night age 79, after an accident on his land. The family of the author and photographer - who specialised in his local area of Exmoor and north Devon - spoke out in a statement about the tragic news. A lengthy message is also believed to have been shared on his official Facebook page today from his loved ones, according to Devon live. It is said to have begun: “Wildlife presenter, film maker, photographer and author Johnny Kingdom has died following an accident on his land, his family has confirmed.”

As the loving Johnny Kingdom himself would have said, farewell to all you lovely people

The now-deleted upload continued: ”This is a short message from his family: Unfortunately a legend has been lost. “Johnny would want you all to continue with his love for Exmoor as you all meant so much to him. "As the loving man himself would have said: 'Farewell to all you lovely people'. No further details are available at present.” It signed off: ”The family ask for privacy at this sad time and will issue a statement next week. R.I.P 23/02/1939 - 06/09/2018.” Police were called to a field near Wadham Cross in Knowstone, Devon, to reports that a digger had rolled over at about 9pm yesterday. Emergency services attended and the star was pronounced dead at the scene.

Johnny Kingdom dead: Wildlife presenter has died at the age of 79

Johnny Kingdom dead: The star is said to have had an accident on his land

Johnny Kingdom dead: The Devon presenter has been a regular face on the small screen

Johnny family have asked for privacy following his death. In a post on Twitter, his agent Hilary Knight said: "It is with great sadness that we announce the death of one of our clients Johnny Kingdom. R.I.P he will be greatly missed." A spokeswoman for Devon and Cornwall Police said officers were called to a single-vehicle collision in a field. "It was reported that a digger had rolled over in a field," the force spokesperson said. "Emergency services attended and a 79-year-old local man was pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin are aware."

Johnny Kingdom dead: The wildlife star died last night