William Hasley, a 78-year-old screenwriter and biographer who co-authored Caitlyn Jenner's self-help book "Finding the Champion Within," was found dead on Runyon Canyon hiking trail in Los Angeles last Saturday evening.
Background
Hasley, who lived near Runyon Canyon, had a prolific career in Hollywood as both a television writer and screenwriter. His credits included episodes of "Murder, She Wrote," "Kung Fu," "Swift Justice," "Ghost Stories," "Young Riders," and "Highway to Heaven." He also wrote screenplays for Universal Pictures, Warner Brothers, and 20th Century Fox.
Beyond his work in entertainment, Hasley served as a screenwriting instructor at UCLA, where he taught students to develop their own distinct styles. His biography described him as an environmentalist who enjoyed riding horses, sports, teaching, and volunteering at soup kitchens.
"When Will isn't meeting a deadline, you'll most likely find him fighting City Hall over an environmental issue, writing an article, teaching a writing class at UCLA, volunteering in a soup kitchen, or speaking to a youth organization," his biography stated.
Hasley was married to actress Robin Riker in the 1980s. Riker became known for her role as Kelly Hall on the Showtime sitcom "Brothers" and later appeared on "The Bold and the Beautiful."
The Investigation
Los Angeles Fire Department officials said Hasley was discovered in an area near Runyon Canyon at approximately 7:05 p.m. Saturday. LAFD Air Operations lowered rescuers to the scene where they attempted life-saving measures.
"LAFD Air Operations lowered rescuers to the patient, and medical treatment was administered," an LAFD spokesperson said. Officials pronounced Hasley dead at the scene.
A neighbor near his home expressed grief over the circumstances of his death. "I just saw him on Saturday carrying groceries," the neighbor told the New York Post. "It's very sad he had to die all alone like that."
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office has not released a cause of death, deferring any official determination. Temperatures in the Los Angeles area were cool, in the mid-to-low 60s, around the time of Hasley's death.
Key Takeaways
- William Hasley was 78 years old and lived near Runyon Canyon
- He co-authored Caitlyn Jenner's 1996 book "Finding the Champion Within" with Simon & Schuster
- The screenwriter worked on major television shows including "Murder, She Wrote," "Kung Fu," and "Highway to Heaven"
- Hasley was a former husband of actress Robin Riker and taught screenwriting at UCLA
- LAFD rescuers attempted life-saving measures but could not revive him
- The LA County Medical Examiner's Office has not determined a cause of death
What's Next
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office is expected to release an official cause of death following their investigation. Representatives for Caitlyn Jenner and UCLA have been contacted for comment regarding Hasley's passing.
Hasley is survived by his extended network in Hollywood and academia, where he made significant contributions as both a writer and educator over several decades.