Authorities have identified the hiker who suffered a fatal medical emergency in Runyon Canyon as 78-year-old screenwriter William Hasley. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner released his identity Tuesday but has yet to determine the cause of death. More than two dozen Los Angeles Fire Department personnel responded to a report of a hiker in grave condition off Nichols Canyon Road near Hollywood Boulevard shortly before 7 p.m. Saturday. A helicopter was used to reach the patient, but paramedics were unable to save him, and he was declared dead shortly after.
Hasley, a veteran TV writer, taught screenwriting classes at UCLA Extension and was a friend of Caitlyn Jenner. He helped write Jenner’s motivational book Finding the Champion Within, according to his biography. Hasley wrote for shows like The Smurfs, Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids, Murder, She Wrote, and Highway to Heaven. He also ghostwrote motivational books, including Passion, Profit, & Power for hypnotist Marshall Sylver and The Slight Edge for self-help expert Jeff Olson.
Hasley hailed from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and played university football before moving to Hollywood. He was briefly married to actress Robin Riker in 1987. His biography describes him as an active community member, involved in environmental issues, volunteering, and youth organizations. The Los Angeles Fire Department confirmed that air rescuers administered medical treatment but were unable to revive him.