Tributes pour in for ‘generous, kind and supportive’ sports enthusiast and dad of Dewsbury TV star
Tributes have poured in for Phil Ounsley who died on Sunday while climbing Pen-Y-Ghent, one of the Yorkshire Three Peaks.
Mr Ounsley, aged 56, was a former West Yorkshire Police officer.
His daughter Jodie, who has starred as Fury in the BBC One show Gladiators since 2024, posted a heartfelt tribute to her “absolute hero” on social media.
She said: “Yesterday, my dad suddenly passed away while doing one of his favourite things – walking Pen-y-Ghent.”
"He had hiked that peak countless times throughout his life, but none of us knew he wouldn’t walk back down that day.
"I don’t have the words. All I can say is that he was, and always will be, my absolute hero.
"He encouraged me to dream big and loved me wholeheartedly, and for that I will be forever grateful.
"Until we meet again, Dad.”
The Ings Luxury Cat Hotel in Dewsbury, which is run by Jodie’s family, has also posted on behalf of The Ounsley Family: “It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our amazing husband, dad and son Phil, who died suddenly yesterday doing the thing he loved most, walking up Pen-y-Ghent.
"He will be missed so very much and was our real-life hero.
Loving tributes have followed from sporting associations across the region.
Huddersfield Laund Hill RUFC, said: “An absolute warrior on the field, he never took a backward step and led by example, always the first to put his hand up for big carries and flying off the line to make his trademark big hits in defence.
Mr Ounsley was part of an all-conquering team that won at Twickenham in the 1990s before returning to the club last season to play for its Nomads outfit after over 20 years away from the game.
A spokesperson for the club said: “He was a regular fixture at Wednesday Touch Rugby and always had friendly words of encouragement and advice for everyone - particularly folk new to the game.
“A proper gentleman and all-round fantastic man. He was generous, kind and supportive, always looking for opportunities to help.
“His enthusiasm, energy, happiness and post-match smile (with a pint of Guinness in hand) will be missed by all of his friends and teammates at Laund Hill.
“Rest in peace mate, our love and hearts go out to your amazing family.”
In 2007, Mr Ounsley won the famous World Coal Carrying Championships in Gawthorpe.
Gawthorpe Maypole Committee posted: “Phil was not only a remarkable competitor but also a true champion in every sense of the word.
“His strength, determination, and sportsmanship shone during one of our most competitive eras.
“Sending love and heartfelt condolences to Jo, Jodie and Jack and all Phil's family and friends.”
Mr Ounsley was also a training partner and friend at AVT MMA Leeds, a professional Mixed Martial Arts and Brazilian jiu-jitsu team based in Morley - and became the club’s first ever black belt.
A post read: “A devastating day for all who knew our friend, training partner, and AVT OG Phil Ounsley.
"From way back in the Caged Steel days where we all met to today, Phil has always been an inspiration to everybody in the gym, both on the mats and off.
“Phil came to combat sports later in life in his late 30s but had an incredible aptitude following a lifetime of sport.
"After a short but successful stint in Pro MMA, Phil focused his efforts on grappling and won the IBJJF European Masters at every belt level, which is a phenomenal achievement. In doing so, he became AVT's first-ever black belt.
“Though his time went to other endeavours further down the line - he was always on a mad adventure or supporting his family - every time Phil got back on the mats, he’d show the young ones how it was done. But then give them his time and energy after the session to help out.
“Nothing was too much and he was always eager to cover a session (which people always enjoyed more than the regular ones) or take someone aside to offer advice.
“More than anything though, Phil was a family man who was so proud of his two kids.
"Every conversation after a session ended with some glowing tale about Jodie and Jack and that’s what made him happiest.
“There's no doubt he helped us aspire to be better parents, spouses, friends, and people within our community.
“Our thoughts go out to his close family and friends, especially his wife Jo and two children Jodie and Jack.
“He will be dearly missed by everyone who encountered him. You were the best of us.”
Details about his memorial service will be shared in due course.