Iditarod’s Head Veterinarian Dies At 73

Sad news out of the Iditarod family, as the race’s head veterinarian Stuart Nelson died suddenly at 73 years old. Alaska Public Media’s report stated the cause off death was unclear, but Nelson’s death has hit hard in the dog sled racing community. Here’s more from the story with quotes from Iditarod race director Mark Nordman:

Nordman, who was also the 1,000-mile race’s marshal for decades, said he and Nelson had often worked closely for the 38 years Nelson was with the Iditarod, sometimes in difficult conditions and circumstances.

Nordman described his friend as well spoken and a true outdoorsman, who was both good with people and stubborn, “which, in his case, is a great attribute to have.”

“His passion for these dogs is bar none,” Nordman said. “He’s really going to be dearly missed. You know, we’re all kind of just in shock, right? It’s, how do you replace somebody like that?”

Condolences to Nelson’s loved ones.