Newsreader Sophie Raworth heartbroken by dog's death in car accident

Updated
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 08: BBC presenter Sophie Raworth before the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Everton FC at Stamford Bridge on March 08, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images)
Sophie Raworth is mourning the death of her puppy Winnie. (Getty Images)

Newsreader Sophie Raworth has said she is “utterly heartbroken” after her pet dog was killed in a tragic accident.

The 52-year-old BBC News host told her 106k Twitter followers: “Our gorgeous cavapoo puppy Winnie died on Friday night. She was hit by a car, chasing squirrels.

“I never knew it was possible to love a dog that much. A total joy and my constant companion. She was also my newest running buddy. She loved running. Utterly heartbroken.”

Watch: Military dog receives animal equivalent of Victoria Cross

Read more: Weather presenter Carol Kirkwood mourns death of pet cat aged 20

Raworth went on to respond to a tweet suggesting dogs should be kept on leads at all times.

She said: “A lead wouldn’t have made any difference. You weren’t there...”

A cavapoo is a mixed breed, combining a cavalier King Charles spaniel and a poodle.

Raworth, who lives in London, welcomed Winnie into her family in May, during the initial coronavirus lockdown.

The mother-of-three, who had her youngest child in 2008, is an avid runner, having taken up the sport nine years ago.

She ran her first London Marathon in 2011, and earlier this year she was selected to represent England in the over-50s women’s team in the International Fleet Half Marathon.

Read more: Reese Witherspoon mourns the loss of her 'sweet' dog Pepper

Raworth recently told Runners World magazine: “Running – particularly when I can go at the weekend and run free in the countryside – has become a real escape. I love it.

“It makes me really happy. I can just run along, not see anyone, get lungfuls of fresh air and not think about anything at all. It just silences your brain.”

Watch: Sophie Raworth plays the piano

Advertisement