"Voice of Formula 1" Murray Walker dies aged 97

[Grumpy Owl]

Hall Green F1 legend Murray Walker with 'contagious smile' dies aged 97

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The 'voice of F1' and local Brummie legend Murray Walker OBE has passed away aged 97.

Murray - who provided the BBC's sport commentary for 20 years before moving on to ITV - was appointed an OBE in the 1996 Birthday Honours list for services to broadcasting and motorsport.

He is also one of only 45 people to be given a star on Birmingham's Walk of Stars.

He became the fourth recipient of a Broad Street Walk of Stars award in 2008.

A statement from the British Racing Drivers’ Club read: “It’s with great sadness we share the news of the passing of BRDC Associate Member Murray Walker OBE.

“A friend, a true motorsport legend, the nations favourite commentator and a contagious smile.

“Murray will be sadly missed, his mark and voice will live on in motorsport and our hearts forever. We thank Murray for all he has done for our community.

“Sending our love and thoughts to Murray’s family and friends at this difficult time."

Murray's career spanned over 50 years.

He became the BBC's full-time F1 commentator in 1978 and would go on to form half of a popular double act with 1976 world champion James Hunt.

Walker moved over to ITV when the broadcasting rights for Formula One moved over in 1997, with Brundle joining him as a co-commentator until his retirement in 2001.

Murray continued to work for F1 Racing magazine and BBC Radio Five Live into his 90s.

From: https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/uk-news/hall-green-f1-legend-murray-20139463

 

RIP Murray, for me he was the 'voice of Formula 1' when it was interesting and exciting to watch, when I was younger and didn't know any better.

[greatdayforfreedom]

Another Covid victim methinks.    The virus took him at 97. 

[Anti Facts Sir]

He made his set of tyres go very deep into the race, but now it's the final pit-stop. Don't make them like that anymore.

[Guest Gone Fishing...]

15 hours ago, Grumpy Owl said:

RIP Murray

 

Indeed.. 

An authentic and genuine race enthusiast. He definitely made the races sound more exciting :0)

 

He was on 'This is your life'.. 

 

 

 

[Grumpy Owl]

13 hours ago, greatdayforfreedom said:

Another Covid victim methinks.    The virus took him at 97. 

 

I've not seen any mention of the cause of death in this or the BBC article, so wasn't from Covid.

[DarianF]

Just now, Grumpy Owl said:

 

I've not seen any mention of the cause of death in this or the BBC article, so wasn't from Covid.

 

A non-Covid death? Is that still possible?

[Guest Gone Fishing...]

4 minutes ago, Grumpy Owl said:

 

I've not seen any mention of the cause of death in this or the BBC article, so wasn't from Covid.

 

Apparently his last words were - 

"I'm feeling as fit as a fiddle and have many more years in me yet.." 

 

So I think he might have died of a Murrayism.. 

:0)

 

[eddy64]

yes he definitely improved the races for me with his entertaining commentary, f1 went downhill quiet a while a go so I don't watch it anymore just not worth watching anymore.

[greatdayforfreedom]

2 hours ago, Grumpy Owl said:

 

I've not seen any mention of the cause of death in this or the BBC article, so wasn't from Covid.

 

He didn't die from Covid? I thought every death was a Covid death.  Covid will be put on  his death certificate. Anyway, RIP to him.

Edited March 14, 2021 by greatdayforfreedom

[DarianF]

3 minutes ago, greatdayforfreedom said:

 

He didn't die from Covid? I thought every death was a Covid death.  Covid will be put on  his death certificate. Anyway, RIP to him.

 

Hey, doctors and nurses are very busy dancing in those empty hospitals. Anyone can make a mistake and forget to write Covid on a death certificate. Show some compassion and understanding; and don't forget to clap the NHS.