Secretariat Biographer William Nack Dies at 77
SECRETARIAT BIOGRAPHER WILLIAM NACK DIES AT 77
Meadow Stable Mourns the Loss of Renowned Author and Sports Journalist
WASHINGTON, D.C. (April. 14, 2018) — William Nack, the renowned sports journalist and author died last night at the age of 77 at his home in Washington, DC after a lengthy illness. Nack’s acclaimed biography on Secretariat is considered the definitive account chronicling the history of the Meadow Stable colt and of his ascent to capture the 1973 Triple Crown. The book was used as the inspiration for the 2010 Disney major motion picture Secretariat.
Representatives from the Secretariat team including the Chenery/Tweedy family, Ron Turcotte and Secretariat.com released the following statement:
“We are very saddened to learn of Bill’s passing. He was as much a part of the Secretariat story as anyone and his book Secretariat: The Making of a Champion remains the benchmark for excellence in equine journalism. Bill was a master storyteller whose incredible talent was only matched by his vast knowledge in a diverse spectrum of interests including film and entertainment, poetry and literature, history, politics and of course his favorite subject – horse racing.
Bill played an integral part of the Disney film Secretariat, serving as consultant and a valued presence on the set. He was very generous with his time, attending various Secretariat and racing-related events and functions throughout the years, always eager to share his memories and affection for the entire Meadow Stable team and the sport of Thoroughbred racing as a whole. In this sad time we take solace in the fact that his legacy, and the legacy of Secretariat he helped shape, live on in the hearts of countless generations of racing fans.”
Bill is survived by his wife Carolyne and four children. A memorial service for family and friends will be held at St. Columba’s Episcopal Church, Washington, DC, on May 7 at 12:00 pm. In keeping with Bill’s love for the sport of racing, the family suggests memorial contributions be directed to the Secretariat Foundation, which supports equine welfare through research, rescue and retirement.
Please enjoy this selection of tributes to Bill from his peers:
Secretariat.com Farewell to Bill Nack Video
Chicago Sun Times by Maureen O’ Donnell
