Philanthropist and National Horseracing Museum and Hall of Fame chairman John Hendrickson died on August 19, according to multiple reports.
The cause of death has not yet been determined.
The Albany Times-Union reported that Hendrickson “felt unwell just before lunch” and was taken to Saratoga Hospital, where he died.
“I was at the hospital holding his hand,” said friend Maureen Lewi. “I talked to him, but he didn’t talk back – he was gone.”
Hendrickson, who had held the Hall of Fame role since 2017, was 59. He was the husband of Marylou Whitney, an influential Saratoga socialite and thoroughbred horse breeder who died at age 93 in 2019.
One of Hendrickson’s philanthropic efforts is a donation to the New York Equestrian Ministry Center at Belmont Park in 2023.
The Saratogian reported that this spring, Hendrickson “listed his and Whitney’s historic mansion, Cady Hill, for sale after he moved to Florida.”
