from the USTA Communications Department
Columbus, OH — Harnessracing.com is reporting that Communicators Hall of Famer Sam McKee, one of the most well-known and respected announcers in horse racing, died Wednesday (March 8), as a result of complications after suffering a major stroke early last month. He was 54.
USTA/Mark Hall photo
Sam McKee died March 8, 2017 at the age of 54.
Mr. McKee was the announcer and simulcast director at the Meadowlands, leaving his home state of Michigan in 1998 to work on a fill-in basis at the New Jersey racetrack. Soon after he was hired as full-time announcer, later adding the title of simulcast director.
Mr. McKee was elected to the Michigan Harness Horsemen’s Association’s Hall of Fame in 2009. In 2012, he received the sport’s highest honor when he was elected to the Communicators Hall of Fame in Goshen, N.Y.
To read more on harnessracing.com, click here.
- Post Time to honor life of Sam McKee (Thursday, March 09, 2017)
Post Time with Mike and Mike presented by BetAmerica will have an abbreviated show on Thursday at 1 p.m. highlighting the life and legacy of Sam McKee.
- Remembering Sam McKee (Thursday, March 09, 2017)
It is impossible to put a figure on the number of lives touched by Sam McKee. Whether through his race calls, studio interviews, work at horse sales, or personal interactions, Sam left an indelible mark on harness racing and the people in and around the sport.
- Other remembrances of Sam McKee (Thursday, March 09, 2017)
Here is just a small sampling of social media posts, reaction and remembrances in honor of Sam McKee, who passed away Wednesday at age 54 from complications of a stroke he suffered last month.
- Arrangements announced for Samuel (Sam) McKee (Thursday, March 09, 2017)
Sam McKee, the Hall of Fame announcer at The Meadowlands Racetrack since 1999, died Wednesday (March 8) at the age of 54. Here is his obituary sent on behalf of the McKee family.
- Sam McKee Memorial Barrel Race holds first event (Monday, August 28, 2017)
This past Saturday (Aug. 26) marked the first-ever Sam McKee Memorial Standardbred Barrel Race at the DREAM Park of Gloucester County N.J.