Authorities identified the hiker who died after a fatal medical emergency in Runyon Canyon as 78-year-old screenwriter William Hasley, a UCLA Extension writing instructor and longtime friend of Caitlyn Jenner. Firefighters responded Saturday evening near Nicho
Runyon Canyon felt ordinary just before Saturday evening—until, shortly before 7 p.m., Los Angeles Fire Department crews were sent to help a hiker in grave medical condition off Nichols Canyon Road near Hollywood Boulevard.
More than two dozen firefighters responded, and a helicopter was used to reach the patient so paramedics could provide urgent care. Despite their efforts, the man was declared dead shortly after paramedics arrived.
The L.A. County medical examiner released the hiker’s identity Tuesday: 78-year-old screenwriter William Hasley.
Hasley was a veteran TV writer who also taught screenwriting classes at UCLA Extension. His biography ties him closely to Hollywood’s sports-and-writing world. including a friendship with Caitlyn Jenner that began when Hasley met the former Olympic gold medalist through NBC’s “Star Salute to the U.S. Olympic Team.” He later helped write Jenner’s motivational book. “Finding the Champion Within. ” and the pair remained connected through their work.
Beyond his association with Jenner, Hasley built a long television résumé. He wrote on 37 episodes of “The Smurfs” in the late 1980s and early ’90s. and also wrote several episodes of “Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids. ” according to IMDB. His credits included “Swift Justice,” “Ghost Stories,” “Murder, She Wrote,” “Young Riders” and “Highway to Heaven.”.
His writing reached beyond TV as well. Hasley helped create other motivational books, including “Passion, Profit, & Power” for hypnotist Marshall Sylver and “The Slight Edge” for self-help expert Jeff Olson, according to his professional biography.
In his teaching, Hasley described writing as a puzzle—trying different combinations before finding the right fit. He wrote: “I personally believe that when you know your characters well enough they will start dictating their actions,” and “When that happens writing becomes a euphoric experience.”
Friends and neighbors describe a man who stayed busy even off the page. According to his bio, he enjoyed golfing, horseback riding, and fighting City Hall over an environmental issue. He also volunteered in soup kitchens and spoke to youth organizations.
Hasley was born in Pittsburgh and played university football before pursuing his dream in Hollywood. He lived in the Hollywood Hills, not far from the area where he suffered the medical emergency.
A neighbor, quoted by the New York Post, said they had seen him earlier Saturday carrying groceries home. “It’s very sad he had to die all alone like that,” the neighbor said.
His professional and personal life also included acting connections. Hasley was formerly married to actor Robin Riker, best known for her roles on “Brothers” and “The Bold and the Beautiful.”
As of Tuesday, the medical examiner had released Hasley’s name but had yet to rule on the cause of death.
Runyon Canyon William Hasley UCLA Extension Caitlyn Jenner LAFD Hollywood Hills screenwriter hiker death