Screenwriter William Hasley Found Dead on LA Hiking Trail
WHO:
Variety - William Hasley was 78 years old at the time of his death.
Variety - William Hasley, a screenwriter, was identified as the hiker found dead.
Variety - Hasley co-wrote an inspirational book with Caitlyn Jenner.
Variety - Hasley was previously married to actress Robin Riker, known for her role in "The Bold and the Beautiful."
WHAT:
Los Angeles Times - More than two dozen personnel with the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a report of a hiker in grave medical condition off Nichols Canyon Road near Hollywood Boulevard shortly before 7 p.m. Saturday.
Los Angeles Times - A helicopter was used to reach the patient and allow paramedics to provide urgent medical care, but they were unable to save him, and he was declared dead shortly after.
Variety - William Hasley was found dead on a hiking trail.
NY Post - Hasley was identified as Caitlyn Jenner's friend and ghostwriter.
WHERE:
Variety - The location of the incident was Runyon Canyon, a popular hiking trail in Hollywood.
WHEN:
US Magazine - Hasley died on Saturday, June 6.
Variety - Hasley was found dead on a Saturday evening.
HOW:
Los Angeles Times - Hasley described the process of writing as akin to assembling a puzzle, stating, “I personally believe that when you know your characters well enough they will start dictating their actions. When that happens writing becomes a euphoric experience.”
US Magazine - The cause of Hasley's death has yet to be revealed.
Variety - The circumstances surrounding Hasley's death have not been detailed in the articles.
(UPDATED June 10, 2026 08:19 UTC)
More than two dozen personnel from the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a report of a hiker in grave medical condition off Nichols Canyon Road near Hollywood Boulevard shortly before 7 p.m. A helicopter was deployed to reach the patient and allow paramedics to provide urgent medical care, but unfortunately, they were unable to save him, and he was declared dead shortly after. In a separate note on the creative process, Hasley described writing as akin to assembling a puzzle, sharing that when writers know their characters well enough, those characters begin to dictate their actions, making the experience euphoric.
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(UPDATED June 10, 2026 04:21 UTC)
William Hasley has passed away at the age of 78. He died on Saturday, June 6, and details surrounding the cause of his death have not yet been disclosed. Fans and colleagues are remembering his contributions and legacy during this difficult time.
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(UPDATED June 9, 2026 21:06 UTC)
William Hasley, a screenwriter known for co-writing an inspirational book with Caitlyn Jenner, was found dead on a popular hiking trail in Hollywood called Runyon Canyon. Hasley, who was also recognized as Jenner's friend and ghostwriter, was previously married to actress Robin Riker, famous for her role in "The Bold and the Beautiful." The circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear, as details have not been disclosed in the reports.