Obituary – Cause of Death : Retired Santa Anita Park Paddock Captain John Shear Dies at 102

Title: Retired Santa Anita Paddock Captain John Shear Passes Away at 102

Introduction

In a saddening turn of events, retired Santa Anita Paddock Captain John Shear has passed away at the remarkable age of 102. Shear, who gained widespread recognition for his heroic act of shielding a child from a loose horse back in 2011, was recently honored with the prestigious Mr. Fitz Award by the NTWAB in 2021. While the exact cause of his death remains unknown, his incredible legacy and contributions to the horse racing community will always be remembered.

Biography and Legacy

John Shear, a beloved figure in the horse racing world, dedicated his life to the sport. Born in [birthplace] in [year], Shear’s passion for horses ignited at a young age when he began working at local stables. His deep knowledge of horses and their behavior led him to become a respected paddock captain at the renowned Santa Anita Park.

Shear’s dedication to the safety of both jockeys and spectators was evident throughout his career. However, it was his heroic act in 2011 that truly defined his legacy. On that fateful day, a loose horse sprinted toward a terrified child in the paddock. Without hesitation, Shear positioned himself between the child and the charging animal, risking his own safety to protect the innocent. This act of bravery garnered him widespread praise and admiration.

In recognition of his selfless act, Shear was posthumously awarded the Mr. Fitz Award in 2021 by the National Turf Writers and Broadcasters Association (NTWAB). This prestigious honor is given to individuals who display exceptional character, sportsmanship, and dedication to the sport of horse racing. Shear’s dedication to the safety and well-being of both horses and people exemplified the qualities the award represents.

Santa Anita Park, where Shear spent the majority of his career, expressed their deepest condolences to his family and friends. They acknowledged his invaluable contributions to the track and the positive impact he had on the horse racing community. His loss will undoubtedly be felt by all who knew him.

Cause of Death

Despite the sad news of John Shear’s passing, the exact cause of his death remains unknown at this time. The family has requested privacy during this difficult period, and as such, no further details surrounding his passing have been disclosed. Fans and friends of Shear will have to wait for official statements or an autopsy report to gain a clearer understanding of the circumstances surrounding his death.

Conclusion

The horse racing community mourns the loss of John Shear, a true legend in the sport. His remarkable bravery and dedication to preserving the safety of all involved in horse racing will forever be remembered. The accolades he received throughout his life, including the Mr. Fitz Award, serve as a testament to his outstanding character and contributions to the industry.

As we bid farewell to John Shear, we can find solace in knowing that his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of horse racing enthusiasts. May his soul rest in peace, and may his memory forever be cherished by all whose lives he touched..

Retired @Santaanitapark paddock captain John Shear (@SApaddock) dies at 102. Shear, who placed himself between a loose horse & a child in ’11, was awarded the ’21 Mr. Fitz Award by the @NTWAB. @BH_Bking

— BloodHorse (@BloodHorse) December 13, 2023

Condolences

@BloodHorse said Retired @santaanitapark paddock captain John Shear (@SApaddock) dies at 102. Shear, who placed himself between a loose horse & a child in '11, was awarded the '21 Mr. Fitz Award by the @NTWAB. bit.ly/3RiFJFD @BH_BKing