- The AFL has paid tribute to Jesse Baird
- Goal umpire was allegedly murdered
- Baird was much-loved by the footy community
The footy world has expressed its sympathies towards the families of Jesse Baird and Luke Davies after the pair were allegedly murdered in New South Wales.
Mr Baird, 26, and his flight attendant boyfriend Mr Davies were allegedly murdered last week in a case that has shocked Australia. On Tuesday, NSW Police found the pair’s bodies stuffed in two surf bags at a rural property 180km south of Sydney.
The 26-year-old was a presenter for Channel 10 and also worked as a goal umpire in the AFL. Following the discovery of Mr Baird’s body, the AFL released a statement in tribute to the much-loved official.
‘Jesse will be fondly remembered for his vibrant, fun-loving personality, his professionalism and his commitment to the next generation of young umpires through his mentorship of State League umpires, most importantly he will be remembered for the great, caring person that he was,’ AFL CEO Andrew Dillon said.
‘The entire AFL family extend our deepest sympathies to both Jesse and Luke’s families as well as our umpiring and broader team during this very difficult time.’
The AFL has paid tribute to Jesse Baird (left) following his alleged murder
![Human remains have been found in Bungonia, south of Sydney, in the search for the bodies of missing TV presenter Jesse Baird (right) and his flight attendant boyfriend Luke Davies (left)](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/02/27/11/81747473-13130849-Human_remains_have_been_found_in_Bungonia_south_of_Sydney_in_the-a-24_1709034731213.jpg)
Human remains have been found in Bungonia, south of Sydney, in the search for the bodies of missing TV presenter Jesse Baird (right) and his flight attendant boyfriend Luke Davies (left)
Mr Baird’s umpiring career spanned 62 AFL matches, including two finals, and his fellow footy umpire and close friend Brett Rosebury said he will be remembered for his positivity.
‘Jesse was more than a colleague, he was a loved friend who I cherished. I loved umpiring with him and being around him,’ Rosebury said.
‘As a young goal umpire he always provided great positivity to the team in the changerooms and he was very talented on and off the field.’
Fellow goal umpire Steve Piperno added: ‘Jesse leaves behind a profound void that words struggle to capture.
‘Anyone who knew Jesse was impacted by his incredible energy and spirit for life. We were blessed to have him as part of our umpiring family.’
David Dixon, the national AFL goal umpire coach, said Baird was able to ‘put a smile on everybody’s face’ and ‘make you feel like the most important person in every interaction.’
Following the discovery of the bodies, NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said detectives were led to the location of the bodies on Tuesday with the help of Beau Lamarre-Condon after he was questioned at Silverwater jail this morning.
![AFL CEO Andrew Dillon led tributes for the goal umpire and Channel 10 presenter](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/02/27/11/81768695-13130849-image-a-25_1709034752795.jpg)
AFL CEO Andrew Dillon led tributes for the goal umpire and Channel 10 presenter
‘As a result of that, he provided assistance to the investigation and a location of where Luke and Jesse were,’ said Detective Superintendent Danny Doherty.
‘About 1pm today, homicide squad detectives attended a location at Jerrara Road, Bungonia – about 20 minutes from the original search location – where they have located what they believe are the remains of Luke and and Jesse.
‘There were two surf bags that have been found, and some debris and other items of interest that (were) located.
‘We will allege he acted alone and he is the sole person responsible for the murders of Luke and Jesse.
‘We will allege he is the sole person responsible for placing the bodies of Luke and Jesse at the current location.’
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