Horse Whisperer author Nicholas Evans dies at 72 after heart attack
- The Horse Whisperer was Evans’ debut novel about a trainer hired to help an injured teenager and her horse back to health after severe injury
- The book sold more than 15 million copies and was turned into a 1998 film, starring Scarlett Johansson in her breakout role
Nicholas Evans, the author of The Horse Whisperer, has died at the age of 72.
A statement from his literary agency said the novelist, screenwriter and journalist died on Tuesday August 9 following a heart attack.
It said: “United Agents are very sad to announce the sudden death of the celebrated bestselling author Nicholas Evans who died suddenly on Tuesday … following a heart attack, aged 72.”
Published in 1995, The Horse Whisperer was Evans’ debut novel and follows a complex and talented trainer who is hired to help a teenager and her horse back to health after a severe injury.
It sold more than 15 million copies and became the year’s 10th bestselling novel in the US.
The story was adapted for the big screen in 1998 by Hollywood actor Robert Redford, who starred as the title character, with Scarlett Johansson playing young rider Grace MacLean in her breakout role.
