William Hasley, Screenwriter and Co-Author of Caitlyn Jenner Book, Dies on Runyon Canyon Trail at 78
William Hasley, a screenwriter who co-wrote an inspirational book with Caitlyn Jenner, was found dead on Hollywood's Runyon Canyon hiking trail on Saturday evening at age 78. Hasley had a lengthy career in television and film, writing for animated series like "The Smurfs" and "Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids," and later transitioning to motivational books and drama pilots. His death marks the second fatality on the popular hiking trail in two weeks.
William Hasley, a 78-year-old screenwriter and author, was found dead on Runyon Canyon trail in Hollywood on Saturday evening. The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the scene, lowering rescuers to administer medical treatment before pronouncing him dead at the location. Hasley had a diverse career spanning several decades, beginning in animation at Hanna-Barbera and Filmation before transitioning to live-action television and motivational writing. He is best known for co-writing the inspirational book "Finding the Champion Within" with Olympic athlete Caitlyn Jenner, whom he met while working on an NBC special about the U.S. Olympic Team. Beyond his work with Jenner, Hasley wrote episodes for various television series, ghostwrote motivational books, and taught writing at UCLA. His death occurred just two weeks after another hiker died of cardiac arrest on the same trail.
What's missing
The cause of Hasley's death is not specified in the reporting, though the circumstances (found on a hiking trail, requiring rescue) suggest a possible medical emergency similar to the previous death on the trail two weeks prior. Additionally, details about his family beyond his ex-wife Robin Riker are absent from the coverage.
How coverage differed
Variety's coverage is straightforward and factual, presenting Hasley's career accomplishments and death circumstances without editorial commentary. The framing emphasizes his professional achievements and the notable connection to Caitlyn Jenner, which serves as a recognizable reference point for readers.
What different sources said
- VarietyCenter
William Hasley, Screenwriter Who Co-Wrote Book With Caitlyn Jenner, Dies on Hollywood Hiking Trail
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