LOUISVILLE (WHAS11) – The voice you've known for many years on WHAS radio, who later became the voice and face of Churchill Downs, John Asher has died.
Family members confirmed that John died, apparently while on vacation.
The 62-year-old currently served as the spokesperson and vice president of communications for Churchill Downs.
“To say that racing has lost one of its giants with the passing of John Asher does not begin to capture the impact this man has had and will continue to have on the Churchill Downs family,” said Kevin Flanery, President of Churchill Downs Racetrack. “His passion for the Kentucky Derby, horseracing, his WKU Hilltoppers, great music, and above all else his loving family was genuine and infectious. Racing has lost an icon. I, and many others, have lost a kind and generous friend. We will miss John’s laugh, his unmistakable voice, and his unique storytelling. Our hearts and prayers are with his wife Dee, his daughters Heather, Erin and Emma and his grandsons, Cameron and Caden.”
He was born in 1955 in Leitchfield, Ky. and was a proud supporter of his alma mater Western Kentucky University.
John is survived by his wife and three daughters.
He began working at Churchill Downs in 1997 and then became VP of Racing Communications in 1999.
Statement from the Kentucky Derby Museum on Asher's passing:
“We at the Kentucky Derby Museum are deeply saddened to learn of the sudden passing of John Asher. His love of the Kentucky Derby and the Thoroughbred racing industry ran deep, as did his endless knowledge of the sport. His warmth and his energy was contagious and endearing. When you met John you were instantly drawn into his dynamic personality. Once you knew him, he always remembered you and he always had the answer to the question, “how many days until the next Derby”? He wore his passion for his work, his family and his community on his sleeve. We are sending our sincerest condolences to his wife, children and grandchildren during this difficult time. We will miss this great friend of the Kentucky Derby Museum.”
Visitation and funeral arrangements were announced. Asher’s visitation will be at Churchill Downs on Tuesday, Sept. 4.
His funeral will be at Cathedral of the Assumption on South 5th Street on Wednesday at 2 p.m.