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Vale: Jesse Baird

Colleagues have paid tribute to former Network 10 reporter Jesse Baird who has died, along with partner Luke Davies.

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Colleagues of former Network 10 reporter have paid tribute to Jesse Baird who police yesterday confirmed had been killed, aged 26.

Also killed was partner, Qantas flight attendant Luke Davies, 29. Both had only been dating a few months.

Jesse Baird worked for Channel 10 for 6-7 years primarily in the children’s TV department in Brisbane.

He worked on Totally Wild and would do the occasional cross for Studio 10. After Totally Wild was axed he worked from Brisbane on Studio 10 before relocating to Sydney in 2022 as a producer.

He would also do several reporting segments, he presented advertorials, reported from red carpet, sat in on hot topic segments and even co-hosted the show with Tristan MacManus.

Network colleagues told TV Tonight, “Everything he did he was good at. But was also so incredibly humble. He was sports obsessed and last year took time off Studio 10 to work on the Melbourne Cup Carnival coverage.

“He shined when Studio 10 broadcast from the Grand Prix making it seem like we all knew who the drivers were.

“He left 10 when Studio 10 was axed and had lined up work to start in April.”

Beverley McGarvey, EVP & Chief Content Officer, Head of Paramount+, Paramount ANZ said, “Our hearts go out to Jesse Baird’s family and friends at this devastating time.

“Jesse’s genuine kindness, warmth and sincerity cannot be overstated as well as his innate ability to make people feel special and valued.

“Jesse joined 10 as a presenter and producer on Totally Wild in 2017. It became clear he was destined for great things. His positive attitude, charisma and charm was effortless. The camera loved him and so did everyone he worked with – animals and humans alike.

“His natural talent led him to host Gamify and a year later Jesse made the move into morning television as the Queensland reporter for Studio 10. It wasn’t long before he moved to Sydney to work as a producer and presenter on the show.

“It’s an incredibly sad day for all of us who had the privilege of knowing Jesse.”

Baird was also a Sydney-based AFL goal umpire, and has officiated in 62 AFL matches.

“The AFL has contacted his family and offered support and has also offered counselling to Jesse’s colleagues and the wider AFL football department who were told the distressing news this afternoon,” an AFL statement said.

Hugh Riminton tweeted “RIP my beloved young colleague. Happy with a new man….”

He added, ” Condolences also to the family and friends of Luke Davies. Many tears tonight.”

Sandra Sully tweeted, “Newsroom heartbroken.”

Lachlan Kennedy: “His talent was undeniable & energy infectious. Jesse Baird has had the brightest of futures stolen from himFor years we chatted footy, utes & country music, so because I can’t find the words right now, I’ll let Cody sing it” with a Til You Can’t music link.

Drew Johnson: “Studio 10 was more than just a job, it was family. Jesse Baird was one of the amazing talents, a lovely fella and a pleasure to work with. Thinking of his family, friends and the channel 10 family tonight. Condolences also to the family and friends of Luke Davies. RIP”

Matt Gilbertson aka ”Accordian Hans’: “Heartbreaking to hear the news of two souls lost in such a senseless way. Thinking of everyone at S10, as well as Jesse and Luke’s friends and family. Lucky to say I had met Jesse several times and he was always just a lovely young man. This is unbelievably sad.”

This post updates.

Please note only tribute comments will be approved due to pending legal case.

12 Responses

  1. So sad that these lads had their lives taken away. My thoughts and love goes out to both of their families, friends, work colleagues and so on. May they both RIP! So sad and tragic

  2. This has really rattled me. To see someone so in the prime of their life and career just cease to exist all of a sudden for this reason- is truly heartbreaking. I cannot imagine what their family and friends are going through. Thoughts with you all.

  5. My thoughts and prayers are with Jesse and Luke’s families, their colleagues and friends.

    Narelda showed such class and courage delivering that news to camera.

  12. Absolutely heartbreaking news.

    I had met Luke a few years ago through mutual friends. He was such a joy and an all round pleasure to be around on the occasions I got to experience his presence.

    Jesse had such warmth and was absolutely destined for big things.

    Given Nareldas personal connection to Jesse, she remained professional as one could while having to deliver this horrific news about a friend. Hearing the heartbreak in her voice was truly upsetting.

    RIP and fly high boys.
    You’ll be forever loved and missed.

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