The 79- year old television wildlife presenter Johnny Kingdom was killed in an accident involving digger on his hand.
The photographer, author and film maker, who filmed wildlife of Exmoor and North Devon, passed on Thursday night.
Police confirmed emergency services were called to a field near Wadham Cross in Knowstone, Devon, to reports that a digger had rolled over.
He was confirmed dead at the scene by emergency services.
His family requested privacy, but issued a short statement which said: “Unfortunately a legend has been lost.
“Johnny would want you all to continue with his love for Exmoor as you all meant so much to him.
“As the loving man himself would have said ‘Farewell to all you lovely people’.”
Johnny was born and raised up on the edge of Exmoor and he was a gravedigger, quarryman, a poacher, a fighter and a conservationist.
His first series on making wildlife films came out on BBC 2, “A Year On Exmoor”, was watched by more than three million people.
BBC Countryfile presenter, Richard Taylor-Jones has paid tribute to his “wonderful, magical” friend on social media
