Bob Holt, a dedicated sports reporter for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, passed away at the age of 65. He covered the Arkansas Razorbacks for 43 years.
Holt collapsed on Saturday while returning to the press box at Faurot Field in Columbia, Missouri, after the Razorbacks’ loss in their 2024 season finale against the University of Missouri. He remained hospitalized until his passing on Wednesday night, though the cause of death has not been disclosed.
Wally Hall, the newspaper’s managing editor for sports, announced Holt’s death early Thursday morning:
“Bob Holt, one of the last great true Journalist passed at 10:38 tonight,” said Hall. “Ironically the doctor on duty was a former Razorback baseball player. Bob was an amazing person. Kindest most gentle man in the world, always lifting people up and helping them.”
Holt’s last article, featuring a collection of stories from the Arkansas-Missouri game, was published in Sunday’s newspaper.
A graduate of the University of Missouri, Holt was an active member of the Football Writers Association of America, served on the board for the U.S. Basketball Writers Association, and was a voter for the Heisman Trophy and the AP Top 25 basketball poll.
Holt was recognized as a four-time Arkansas Sportswriter of the Year and was inducted into the Arkansas Sportscasters and Sportswriters Hall of Fame in 2022. Known for his engaging personality and inquisitive nature, he was respected by coaches, athletes, and fans. AL.com once described him as “The most curious reporter at SEC Media Days and reluctant cult hero.”
Former SEC commissioner Mike Slive praised Holt for his knowledge and character, remarking on the lasting impression he left.
“He’s knowledgeable. He’s a gentleman,” then-SEC commissioner Mike Slive said 2014. “It’s somebody that, when I met him, I’ve never forgotten who he was. It was easy to remember who he was.”
Holt began his career covering the Razorbacks in 1981 and dedicated his work to the team. His reputation was such that when questions about the Razorbacks arose at news conferences, it was clear they came from Holt. He emphasized the importance of focusing on local stories, stating that he always aimed to highlight the local angle.
Throughout his career, Holt connected readers with the key figures in Arkansas sports, including coaches like Lou Holtz, Eddie Sutton, and Nolan Richardson, as well as the athletes who played for the Razorbacks. He also spent time in Dallas covering Arkansas-related interests in Texas.
Holt once expressed his passion for his work, saying he couldn’t imagine doing anything else despite occasional fatigue or burnout. Hunter Yurachek, Arkansas Athletic Director, offered his condolences to Holt’s family and praised his significant contributions to Arkansas sports journalism.
