Bob Holt, Hall of Fame Arkansas Sportswriter and 'Don of SEC Media,' Dies at 65 After Collapsing at Missouri Game

Dec 5, 2024, 02:32 PM

Bob Holt, the Hall of Fame sportswriter for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette and a revered figure known as "The Don of SEC Media," passed away at age 65 on Wednesday evening. Holt collapsed on Saturday while walking back to the press box after covering the Arkansas Razorbacks' game against the Missouri Tigers at Faurot Field in Columbia, Missouri, and had been in critical condition since. A graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism with a deep fondness for his alma mater, Holt was considered an SEC institution and was beloved in press boxes across the conference. His kindness, professionalism, and unending curiosity made him an icon among coaches, players, and fellow journalists. Georgia head coach Kirby Smart remarked, "He embodied what this conference is all about. He was a great man. One of my favorites. Every time we went to SEC Media Days he always had great questions and great candor." The Southeastern Conference released a statement mourning Holt's loss, expressing condolences to his family, colleagues, and many friends.