Dave W0olford, a sports reporter for the Toledo Blade who became well known for his motor sports writing, passed away in his sleep in Florida.
Woolford retired from the Blade in 2003. According to his farewell column, he covered 36 Indianapolis 500, almost every race at Michigan International Speedway, and was on hand when Dale Earnhardt Sr. died at Daytona in 2001. Woolford said it was the hardest story he ever had to cover.
"It still kind of brings tears to my eyes," Woolford said. "I won't say we were good friends, but we knew each other well. We respected each other. When he died, the follow-up column I wrote about our personal relationship, the things we'd been through, was extremely difficult."
The racing world quickly expressed its sorrow.
Always enjoyed talking with Dave Woolford (Toledo Blade) ? and watching him work and go about the beat ? when at the track ... RIP https://t.co/BbKROExFIP
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) February 3, 2018
Dave was a tremendous storyteller, gentleman and friend. Trips to @MISpeedway will never be the same without him. RIP, Dave Woolford. https://t.co/GmSZUI3ghF
— Matt Humphrey (@matthumphreycar) February 3, 2018
Heard the news tonight that former @toledonews sportswriter Dave Woolford has passed away; have so many fond memories of staying at his lake house for the @MISpeedway race weekends. Dave was a class act and will be greatly missed.
— Kerry Tharp (@Kerry_Tharp) February 3, 2018
https://twitter.com/MonroeBlade/status/959631718104883200