Dealer’s death shocks WSOP

Dealer’s death shocks WSOP

Monday, 24 June 2013

One of the WSOP’s veteran dealers, Richard Turnbull, was tragically killed over the weekend after being struck by a car as he attempted to cross a road near the Rio.

Having worked at the WSOP for a number of years, 86-year-old Turnbull was a familiar face to many and had become one of the event’s staple figures.

Indeed, after dealing cards to some of the game’s finest over a 38-year period, Turnbull was someone that every player held in high regard including the WSOP itself.

"We’re devastated to hear one of the WSOP’s own is no longer with us," read a statement from the WSOP.

Aside from being a WSOP dealer, Turnbull’s links with the poker community go further than many would suspect. According to Mike Caro, Turnbull was present the day a young Doyle Brunson broke his leg and ended his basketball career (the day his poker career effectively started).

Moreover, he was also involved in major car accident with Caro’s mother. While Turnbull walked away from the crash, Caro’s mother wasn’t so fortunate but Mike has never forgotten the support he offered him during that time.



Tags: Richard Turnbull, WSOP