Retired Sportscaster Rich Brenner passed away last night. “Rich was attending the American Red Cross’s second annual “Salute to Heroes” event at the Carolina Theatre in Greensboro when he collapsed. Paramedics at the event were unable to revive Rich, and he was pronounced dead at Moses Cone Hospital.”
WGHP has the story and an extensive look at his career.
Rich was one of the good guys, a God and Country kind of guy. His conservative side came out in his retirement as he made appearances at local TEA Party events and occasionally filling in at local Talk-Radio stations.
I met and chit-chatted with Rich a few times before the Prowler and Revolution games (when Greensboro had arena football). He was such a genuine person. His off-camera persona wasn’t much different than his on-camera.
A sad loss for the Triad. Prayers for his family.
I used to watch Rich Brenner doing the sports on WSET TV-13 in Lynchburg, Virginia and I think, according to the newspaper reports/accounts, that is where he got his start, back in the 70’s…..Well-liked and much respected radio and TV personality and always willing to help others….Seemed to have an endless supply of energy almost until the the end….
RIP Rich Brenner…..
Let’s get some memories of Rich Brenner from you…..
He really was a genuine person. This was right after he retired I was behind him in a very slow moving line at Sam’s Club. Probably spent ten minutes just talking sports. Told him how much he would be missed on the local sports scene. He was very appreciative. 65 is too young to die.
Growing up in the Raleigh/Durham area – I remember Rich being the dominate sports person as a kid at WTVD (Durham) along with Tom Suiter at WRAL (Raleigh). It is amazing that he acutally looked and sounded the same to me as a kid back in the 1970-80’s as he did the last time that I saw him at Proehlific Park about 4 months ago. I did not always agree with a lot of his comments or politicial views but I did respect his opinion because he was consistent from one comment to the other over a long period of time. Many people will cut a run on their thoughts if it will benefit them for the moment but he appeared to be honest and consistent with his. The other thing that I really enjoyed about Rich is that he had great energy on air and brought the same level of energy off the camera. RIP Rich Brenner.
Rich will be missed, to say the least. I interviewed Rich a few times wjhile doing sports with Dusty Dunn. He was always so accomodating, knowledgable and professional. After his retirement, we became friends while he was doing his exercise routine. Such a real man. He was enjoying the time with his grandson, bringing him to his health club while Rich exercised. God bless Rich Brenner.
I remember he and Kyle Petty riding their Harleys cross country to raise money for Victory Juction every year.
There’s a lot of comments on Facebook, which may never be seen by the General Public. Here’s a post made by Guilford County Sheriff B.J. Barnes:
“Tonight I attended the Salute to Hero’s American Red Cross event. After speaking my friend Rich Brenner who was sitting behind me commented I did a good job. When his turn to speak came up he walked to the stage and made his comments about the Memorial for the military that he and others have worked so hard on. Like a trooper he finished his remarks, seemed to be struggling a little, but finished. He stepped from the stage and did not return. Tanya Riveria came on the stage and reported he had a coughing spell, like the professional she is. Rich had a heart attack and had plenty of help available but he just couldn’t be helped. He passed away while doing something he felt passionate about. Tonight we lost a good man and we will all be the poorer for it. Please keep Rich’s wife Judy in your prayers and bring peace and God’s grace to his family. Semper fi Marine, you wil be missed.”
He was a big man with a big heart and he cared about his neighbor.
Only the good die young and 65 is way to early for this NASCAR pioneer to be checking out on us. Prayers with the family and RIP RB.
Im speechless, we lost a great man.
R.I.P. Rich Brenner
Vegas Mike