Fox News Personalities Grieve ‘Fan Who Became a Friend’ After Shocking Austin Murder

Fox News personalities and others who knew Andrew Wimsatt are mourning the 62-year-old after authorities say he was stabbed to death in an apparently random daytime attack in Austin, Texas.

Greg Gutfeld remembered Wimsatt as an exceptionally gentle and generous man whose life was taken because a dangerous individual was allegedly free to roam the streets.

“This person was murdered this week in Austin Texas. He was one of the sweetest most helpful persons I’ve ever met. Supremely gentle. Willing to do just about anything for another person. And he was stabbed to death on a street at 11 am in the morning. For no reason other than a maniac was free to roam the streets. Rest in peace Andrew. We won’t forget you.”

Kat Timpf, another Fox News personality, described Wimsatt as a devoted fan who eventually became a genuine friend. She recalled that he drove from Austin to Fort Worth in June to support her return to the stage after her father’s sudden death.

“I’m too shocked, disgusted and angry to really even be commenting at this point, but I will anyway,” she began. “Andrew was a fan who became a friend. Cam and I just had lunch with him in [Fort] Worth in June, when he drove from Austin to see my return to the stage after my father’s sudden death in May.”

“Andrew was a rare person: Genuinely kind just for the sake of it; it quite clearly never occurred to him to expect anything in return,” she continued. “I am haunted and horrified thinking of his final moments, and beyond furious that this was the end the world gave him, the same world that he’d always gone out of his way to make a better place. We all love you Andrew, and we always will. Your kindness made you a legend.”

Fox News contributor Tyrus also paid tribute to Wimsatt, remembering him as a loyal supporter of “Gutfeld!” whose unmistakable laugh and positive attitude left a lasting impression.

“@ajwimsatt was murdered while sitting on a park bench enjoying some sun on his face … Andrew was a special fan he loved the @Gutfeldfox show he began making clips of my segments when the show was once a week,” Tyrus explained. “He came to my stand up shows … took care of his mother… always positive… he was kind man 62 years old fragile looking but had a monster laugh.”

He added, “I was honored to know him I was honored he cared so much and honored that my jokes and thoughts brought him joy… stabbed from behind by an absolute disgusting coward subhuman peace of s*** … who after strapping him over and over walked off at had a nice lunch at McDonald’s.”

Writer Walter Kirn, who has appeared on Gutfeld’s program, said Wimsatt regularly took the time to “make clips of my jokes & comments & send them to me.”

“Not many strangers will go out of their way to give another that kind of encouragement. He did it unflaggingly. I’m shattered.”

Wimsatt’s friend David Burge offered a broader portrait of his life, describing him as a “well respected civil engineer who worked in highway design and transportation research, a bit of a gentle avuncular Southern gentleman who was at the same time an afficionado of punk rock, pop surrealism art, and Midcentury Modern.”

“He was also a supporter of libertarian causes, particularly free speech on campus,” Burge explained. “Supernice as they come, never an angry word about anyone, which makes this all the more incomprehensible … RIP and Godspeed, Busty.”

Suspect Charged With Murder

Police charged 26-year-old Benedict Chinedu Ogbodiegwu with murder in connection with Wimsatt’s Sept. 7 death, according to KTBC-TV.

A woman reportedly discovered Wimsatt’s body in a park late that night and alerted authorities after observing extensive injuries.

Investigators reviewing footage from a neighborhood homeowners association reportedly saw Wimsatt, wearing a button-down shirt and dark shorts, seated on a bench earlier that day. Minutes later, the footage allegedly showed a man approach from behind with a knife and begin stabbing him in the neck.

Wimsatt attempted to fight back but was unable to overcome the attack, authorities said.

Police subsequently canvassed the surrounding area and located an SUV belonging to Ogbodiegwu’s family. The vehicle was reportedly registered to a residence near the park.

When detectives questioned Ogbodiegwu at the address, they determined that he resembled the suspect captured in several recordings, according to the affidavit. He allegedly provided conflicting accounts and claimed that he had a twin but could not supply the twin’s name.

A search of the residence reportedly uncovered a trash bag inside an outdoor garbage bin containing clothing, shoes and a knife. Investigators said the clothing appeared to match what the suspect was wearing in the video, while a pair of sweatpants contained red stains.

The knife tested positive for blood, according to the affidavit.

The Williamson County Sheriff’s Office has not publicly identified a motive. Investigators reportedly believe Wimsatt may have been the victim of a random attack—a horrifying act of violence that ended the life of a man remembered for his kindness, encouragement and unwavering support of others.