Evan Davis, renowned for his role as a BBC Radio 4 presenter and hosting Dragon’s Den, has shared a poignant and emotional account of his wedding day, which took a tragic turn. On this special occasion, Mr. Davis learned that his father had taken his own life. The presenter, determined to maintain composure, informed his wedding guests about the news but urged them not to be “alarmed” as there was nothing they could do.
Speaking to The Sunday Times, Evan Davis revealed that his 92-year-old father, Quintin, had been battling bowel cancer and suffering from a failing heart. Quintin also carried the burden of guilt for not being able to care for Mr. Davis’s mother, who had been admitted to a care home during the COVID pandemic due to symptoms of dementia.
On the day of the wedding in July 2022, during the celebration in London, Mr. Davis received a text message from his brother, Roland, requesting a call. Despite the devastating news, Roland and their other brother, Beric, encouraged Evan to continue with the wedding ceremony.
With tremendous strength, Evan Davis addressed his intimate group of guests, revealing the sad news. Despite the somber turn of events, the wedding transformed into a “very warm-hearted, supportive, reflective day.”
“My father died. But I don’t want you to be alarmed. He was very elderly and it was definitely time,” Evan shared during his wedding reception. “There’s actually nothing we can do. So I’m going to propose that we carry on.”
Prior to his suicide, Quintin had emailed his sons, expressing his intention. Alongside his body, notes were found, filled with remorse and love for his family.
One note read: “To all my family, I am so sorry – so, so sorry – to spring this on you. But it is the best outcome. My system is closing down, and I am on the verge of a mental breakdown. I really have no alternative. Thank you all for being such a wonderful family.”
Evan Davis and his partner, Guillaume Baltz, had decided to hold a follow-up ceremony to their civil partnership in 2012, celebrating their love and commitment. During the initial civil partnership ceremony, Quintin had proudly delivered a loving speech.
Mr. Davis expressed the difficulty of understanding his father’s actions and the complex emotions surrounding the situation. “We’ve all speculated on what the hell was going on in his head… there’s no good day, is there? And I know he didn’t do it to spoil our day,” he shared.
Evan Davis’s wedding day will forever be remembered as a bittersweet mix of joy and sorrow, where love, resilience, and support from family and friends helped navigate the unexpected journey that unfolded.