Turf Writer Art Wilson Cause of Death and Obituary, What Happened to Art Wilson? How did Art Wilson Die? Who was Art Wilson?
by Aishwarya R | Updated Feb 19, 2024
Turf Writer Art Wilson Cause of Death
Art Wilson, a beloved figure in the world of horse racing journalism, passed away at the age of 71 on February 18, 2024. Throughout his illustrious career, Wilson served as a reporter, sports editor, and columnist for the San Gabriel Valley Tribune and other Southern California News Group papers since the 1970s.
Despite battling multiple myeloma, kidney disease, and congestive heart failure for the past decade, Wilson remained dedicated to his craft, often working from hospital beds or convalescent centers. His passion for horse racing, evident in his meticulous study of races even in his final moments, endeared him to a loyal following.
In his last column, published just days before his passing, Wilson highlighted Toby Keith's enthusiasm for breeding and owning racehorses. Wilson's deep love for the sport, its people, and his fondness for long shots were evident throughout his career. His unexpected death leaves a void in the horse racing community, but his enduring legacy as a dedicated turf writer and resilient journalist will be remembered by those who appreciated his insightful columns and unwavering commitment to the world he so dearly loved.
Who was Art Wilson?
Art Wilson, a seasoned turf writer and racing enthusiast, was a prominent figure in the Southern California News Group's coverage of horse racing. Introduced to the sport by his late father, Wilson developed a passion for horse racing during his childhood and became an avid railbird. Graduating from Glendora High School in 1970, Wilson's journey in horse racing journalism began in the mid-1980s, covering the sport he loved for the Southern California News Group.
Throughout his extensive career, Wilson contributed not only as a reporter covering stakes events like the Palos Verdes Stakes (G3) at Santa Anita but also as a weekly columnist for the So Cal News Group.
His final column, a poignant piece on the late Toby Keith, was published on February 16, showcasing Wilson's ability to capture the essence of the racing world and the personalities within it. Art Wilson's legacy is one of dedication, passion, and a profound love for the game that he shared with readers until his last days.
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Art Wilson Career Journey
Art Wilson, with a career spanning 52 years, dedicated the majority of his professional life to the San Gabriel Valley Tribune in West Covina, California. Rising through the ranks, he not only served as a sports editor for the Tribune but also held the same position at the Pasadena Star-News, which eventually became co-owned. In his later years, Wilson continued his impactful work as a writer for the Southern California News Group, contributing a regular racing column that gained a significant following, both in print and online.
Deeply appreciative of horse racing's rich history, Wilson cultivated relationships with veteran trainers such as Mel Stute and Bruce Headley, offering his readers unique insights into the sport. His coverage extended across renowned racing venues, from Santa Anita and Hollywood Park to Del Mar, Los Alamitos, and the Los Angeles County Fair in Pomona. Notably, Wilson's rapport with legendary horseman Bob Baffert exemplified the respect and admiration he earned within the racing community.
Beyond the racetrack, Wilson showcased his passion for baseball, particularly as a fan of the Texas Rangers. His admiration for Frank Howard, the 1960 Rookie of the Year with the Dodgers and later a powerful hitter with the Washington Senators and Detroit Tigers, reflected his broader love for sports. Even in the midst of his illustrious career in horse racing journalism, Wilson found joy in personal connections with sports legends, such as a memorable phone conversation with Frank Howard during spring training, underscoring the depth of his appreciation for the sporting world.
Art Wilson Early Life
Born on November 5, 1952, in Winchester, Massachusetts, Art Wilson's early life was marked by a move to Azusa with his family at the age of two. Eventually, they settled in Glendora, a location just 12 miles from the iconic Santa Anita racetrack. Wilson's fascination with horse racing began to blossom at the age of 20 when he witnessed the awe-inspiring performance of Sham, a Pancho Martin trainee.
The moment of revelation occurred as Sham, ridden by jockey Laffit Pincay, Jr., triumphed in the Santa Anita Derby on March 31, 1973, showcasing grace, power, and remarkable ability. However, Sham's brilliance was overshadowed by the unfortunate circumstance of belonging to the same advanced sophomore class as the legendary 1973 Triple Crown winner, Secretariat.
Wilson's early exposure to the world of horse racing and the captivating story of Sham set the stage for his lifelong passion and career in turf writing. After completing high school in Glendora, he pursued education at Citrus Community College and later attended Cal Poly Pomona, laying the foundation for his journey into the realm of horse racing journalism.
Art Wilson Family
Art Wilson, the esteemed turf writer, is preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his immediate family members. He is survived by his brother, Eddie Wilson, who, like Art, was involved in handicapping as an SCNG handicapper. Additionally, Art is survived by his sister, Deborah Wills, and her husband Charles, as well as his nephew, Cody Wills, and Cody's wife Kimberley.
In mourning his passing, Art Wilson's family includes not only his siblings and nephew but also extends to cousins, namely James Costa, Mark Costa, and Heather McAvoy. As they navigate this difficult time, they will come together to celebrate the life and legacy of Art Wilson at a memorial service scheduled to be held next month at Oakdale Mortuary in Glendora.
Specific details for the service will be communicated in the coming days, allowing friends, colleagues, and well-wishers to pay their respects and commemorate the remarkable life of a beloved figure in horse racing journalism.
Art Wilson Obituary
In memory of Art Wilson, the venerable horse racing columnist: A maestro of words, he chronicled the sport with passion, enduring illness to deliver insights from hospital beds. A dedicated newspaperman, he etched his legacy at the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, captivating readers for over five decades.
From his early days to the final race, Art's love for horse racing and its people shone bright, evidenced in his unwavering commitment and affection for long shots. With a final column on Toby Keith, he leaves a lasting imprint on the turf, a true enthusiast who never considered his work as mere labor. Rest in peace, Art Wilson, a cherished figure in the heart of the racetrack.
What Happened to Art Wilson? How did Art Wilson Die?
Art Wilson, the revered horse racing columnist, passed away at the age of 71 on February 18, 2024, succumbing unexpectedly after a medical episode following his battle with multiple myeloma, kidney disease, and congestive heart failure. Despite his health challenges, Wilson, a dedicated newspaperman, continued his work from hospital beds and convalescent centers, fueled by his unwavering passion for horse racing and love for its community.
In his final moments, he was found studying races, preparing for upcoming columns. Wilson's last contribution, a column on Toby Keith's passion for racehorse breeding, was published just a day before his passing, highlighting his enduring commitment to the sport he cherished and the people he loved.
Turf Writer Art Wilson Cause of Death - FAQs
Art Wilson passed away unexpectedly due to a medical episode on February 18, 2024, following his prolonged battle with multiple myeloma, kidney disease, and congestive heart failure.
Art Wilson died from an unforeseen medical episode that occurred on Saturday, leading to his passing early on Sunday, February 18, 2024.
Art Wilson, the longtime horse racing columnist, faced health challenges, including multiple myeloma, kidney disease, and congestive heart failure. His death came unexpectedly after a medical episode on a Saturday.
Art Wilson was a revered turf writer and horse racing columnist with a career spanning over 52 years. He started in the 1970s at the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, becoming a sports editor and columnist. His dedication to the sport, even amidst health struggles, was evident in his enduring passion for horse racing.
Art Wilson made significant contributions to horse racing journalism, working for the San Gabriel Valley Tribune and other Southern California News Group papers. Despite battling illnesses, he continued to cover races, type columns from hospital beds, and share his deep love for the sport until his final column, which focused on Toby Keith's passion for racehorse breeding.