Turf Writer Bob Fortus Passes

Bob Fortus, the long-time turf writer for the New Orleans Times-Picayune, died Tuesday. He was 69.

His death was confirmed by the Times-Picayune, which reported that Fortus was seriously injured when struck by a car in March near the Fair Grounds Racetrack. The article noted that Fortus's death was a result of complications suffered from the accident and that he died at the Capitol House Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

The Times-Picayune report revealed that Fortus suffered several broken bones and was in a coma for weeks, and had to undergo two operations to stop bleeding in his brain.

Fortus, who covered the Fair Grounds beat, as well as the nation racing scene, worked for the Times-Picayune from 1980 until he was laid off in 2012.

“What Bob was passionate about, he was really passionate about,” said Doug Tatum, a former Times-Picayune sports editor. “He didn't go halfway on things. He was immensely passionate about horse-race coverage. He took pride in it, in being the source in New Orleans for horse racing news.”

Fortus, who was quick with a laugh and had an easy-going manner, earned several awards during his career. He was named to the Fair Grounds Press Box Hall of Fame in 2011. Two years later, he won the National Turf Writers and Broadcasters' Walter Haight Award, which honors “career excellence in turf writing.”

“I don't think we can overstate his love for horse racing,” said fellow turf writer Gary West, a close friend who has written for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, The Dallas Morning News and ESPN, told the Times-Picayune. “He had a real passion for racing and for horses. I think he realized how unselfish the horses are and how pure the sport is. In my view, he saw clearly what horses are doing when they race. They're defining themselves. Even the lowliest horse out there was making an effort. He was defining himself.”

Before getting into sportswriting, Fortus taught statistics, first at Washington State University, then at Tulane University. He earned three degrees from the University of Michigan, an undergraduate degree in mathematics and master's and doctoral degrees in statistics.

Survivors include his companion, Cherish Van Mullen.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete.