Gabby Logan shares details of dad Terry’s final moments as she posts tribute following his ‘shock’ death

Gabby Logan has broken her silence following the death of her dad Terry, after his death was announced yesterday (January 8).

The sports presenter was forced to leave Match of the Day just 20 minutes into Wednesday night’s show following a family emergency. No further details were shared at the time, with Mark Chapman stepping in to present the remainder of the programme in the 52 year old’s absence.

Yesterday, the heartbreaking reason behind Gabby’s sudden exit was confirmed, as her family released a statement announcing the death of her father. Last night, Gabby shared her own tribute.

Gabby Logan was forced to leave Match of the Day midway through the show (Credit: BBC)

Gabby Logan leaves Match of the Day mid-broadcast

Viewers noticed an abrupt change early into Match of the Day on Wednesday night, after Gabby left the studio just 20 minutes into the programme.

Mark Chapman, who had been presenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, took over hosting duties for the remainder of the show.

Explaining the switch, he told viewers: “Sadly Gabby has got a family emergency that she had to rush off and deal with. She’s gone to do that and I’ve come from the radio to finish the show.”

At the time, no further information was given, prompting concern from viewers watching at home.
Gabby pictured with her father Terry Yorath on her wedding day (Credit: Shutterstock)

Gabby Logan’s dad Terry Yorath dies aged 75

The family emergency was confirmed yesterday morning, as Gabby and her siblings Louise and Jordan announced that their father, former footballer and manager Terry Yorath, had died aged 75 following a short illness.

In a statement shared on behalf of the family, they said: “To most he was a revered footballing hero, but to us he was Dad; a quiet, kind and gentle man. Our hearts are broken but we take comfort knowing that he will be reunited with our brother, Daniel.”

Gabby’s brother Daniel tragically died in 1992 aged just 15, after collapsing while playing football with his father. His death was later attributed to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, an undiagnosed heart condition.

Overnight, Gabby shared her own tribute on Instagram, along with a carousel of pictures of her beloved dad.

Gabby’s tribute

In her long caption, Gabby thanked fans for their support and shared more about her father’s final days.

“Thank you for your messages of love and support today, it has meant the world to us. Our dad a warrior on the football pitch, captaining club and country, a kind hearted and generous man off it, would have hated all the attention. (Well most of it), she said. “The stories that have been shared by strangers with us today have been enormously comforting. He touched so many people’s lives.”

Gabby then added: “We knew he had limited time, but it is still a shock.

“Yesterday afternoon I sat by his bed in St James Hospital Leeds and we had a debate about whether roast potatoes were better with calves liver than mash potatoes. That was the meal he’d decided he wanted when he went home, tomorrow.

“I left and went to work, he was looking forward to watching Newcastle v his beloved Leeds. He won’t go home tomorrow. But he is reunited with Daniel and that will feel like home.”

Gabby continue: “I am sorry he had to deal with so much pain, the tragedy of the Bradford Fire [a stadium fire that claimed the lives of 56 when he was a player there] was forever in his heart and losing Daniel defined the second half of his life.”

The sports presenter then shared an insight into her childhood, and thanked her dad for giving her a life-long love of sport. She finished the post by thanking the staff who cared for him while he was in hospital. She added that they looked after him with “such tenderness”, adding: “You are all angels.”

Gabby signed off her post: “I love you Dad.”

Terry Yorath’s football legacy

Born in Cardiff in 1950, Terry Yorath enjoyed a distinguished career in football as both a player and manager. He earned 59 caps for Wales and captained the national side on multiple occasions.

He is survived by his wife Christine and his children Gabby, Louise and Jordan.

Tributes pour in following death of Gabby Logan’s dad

Following the family’s statement, tributes poured in.

“Very sad to hear about the death of Terry Yorath. I had many dealings with him down the years and he was always lovely to chat to. Thoughts with his family,” said one fan.

Another commented: “Deeply saddened to hear of the death of a true footballing great in Terry Yorath. One of Wales’ finest ever players and did such a great job as manager, deepest condolences to his family. Rest in peace.”

A third said: “RIP Terry Yorath. A Leeds United and Wales legend.”