LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Bob Holt, a longtime reporter who covered Arkansas sports for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, has died at age 65.

According to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Holt died the night of Dec. 4 after collapsing while covering the Arkansas Razorbacks football game on Saturday. He was reportedly on his way back to the press box at Faurot Field in Columbia, Missouri, when he collapsed.

Since graduating from the University of Missouri in 1981, Holt has worked for the Arkansas newspaper and has been a voter in the Heisman Trophy and the AP Top 25 Basketball Poll.

He was named Arkansas Sportswriter of the Year four times and was inducted into the Arkansas Sportscasters and Sportswriters Hall of Fame.

“He will be missed in press boxes and press rows throughout the SEC,” SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey said. “We extend our condolences to Bob’s family, his colleagues at the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette and his many friends.”

Sankey also noted that Holt is a legend in the SEC media corps and often offers “insightful questions and witty retorts” when questioning coaches at SEC Media Days.

Former Razorbacks football coach Bret Bielema noted on social media that Holt was a “true professional.” Bielema also shared that he loved getting questions from Holt after games, whether it was a win or a loss.

“Bob was one of the good guys at his job,” said John Calipari, the Razorbacks men’s basketball coach. “I got to know him better and was looking forward to working with him. His sudden death shocked us all.”

Craig O’Neill remembered Holt as a wonderful man and someone who was completely dedicated to his work as a sports reporter.

“In the eight years I covered the Hogs for THV11, I had the honor of getting to know Bob,” O’Neill said. “He had a quiet enthusiasm for the Hogs. No punches or jumps for joy, just a wry smile and a keen insight into the team he clearly loved. He was the epitome of a professional journalist.”

Additionally, Razorback Athletics Chief Public Relations Officer Kevin Trainor commented on Holt’s death, calling him the voice of fans across the state.

“What Bob did and what he meant to the fans was that he was their voice. If they had a question, there was a good chance Bob would ask that question,” Trainor said. “He was naturally curious. He didn’t shy away from difficult questions, but he asked them in a way that allowed people to answer the question – regardless of whether fans liked the answer or not. Bob didn’t put in his own opinion.” He allowed them to ask the question, and I think that’s the biggest thing.