Nicholas Evans, ‘The Horse Whisperer’ author, dies at 72

London, Aug. 16 (BNA) Nicholas Evans, British author of the best-selling novel “The Horse Whisperer,” has died at the age of 72, his representatives said Monday.

United Agents said Evans died “suddenly” on August 9 of a heart attack.

Published in 1995, “The Horse Whisperer” was Evans’ debut novel and has sold over 15 million copies worldwide. The story of a trainer hired to help an injured teen and return her horse to health has been adapted into a Hollywood movie starring Robert Redford as the main character and Scarlett Johansson as young contestant Grace McClain in her breakout role.

Born in 1950 in Worcestershire, England, Evans studied law at Oxford University and worked as a journalist in the 1970s, according to the Associated Press (AP).

He worked as a screenwriter and television documentary producer before starting work on his first novel. His other books include “The Loop”, “The Smoke Jumper”, “The Divide” and “The Brave”.

In 2008, Evans fell seriously ill after cooking and eating poisonous mushrooms that had been picked in the Scottish forests. He and his family were taken to the hospital and had to undergo kidney treatments.

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