BBC Breakfast presenter Luxmy Gopal had fans rushing to support her as she announced the news of a tragic death on Instagram. The presenter – who also appears on BBC Look North and BBC London News – confirmed in an emotional caption that her beloved German shepherd, Athena, has sadly died.

Luxmy wrote: “We’ve had to say goodbye to dear old Athena, a beloved member of our family for 12 years. So sensitively attuned and emotionally intelligent, she seemed almost human at times.” Fans rushed to support her, with one writing: “So sorry Luxmy. Such a large role in the family, sending love.”

Another echoed: “Sending you the biggest hugs lovely,” while a third social media user wrote: “RIP Athena, they leave a massive hole in our lives when they leave but leave us with the best memories.”

Accompanying the post were a series of sweet snaps of Luxmy with her beloved pooch, which showed Athena licking her face and enjoying a walk out in the woods.

Luxmy regularly shared pictures alongside Athena on her socials, along with her Maine Coone cat Cosmo.

Aside from that, she tends to keep her personal life very private, sharing mostly work-related snaps and a few holiday photos. In May 2025 she jetted off to Nice for her birthday, sharing sweet snaps of her beside the sea in a sundress.

Luxmy wrote at the time: “Salut! On a little birthday jaunt to Nice. I’ll try to bring some of the warm sunshine back to you.”

She added: “Thank you for the lovely birthday messages! It’s been therapeutic being by the sea. Now back to reality.”