Pete Medhurst, longtime track announcer at Rosecroft Raceway, passed away Jan. 20, his wife Brenda Medhurst announced on Facebook. He was 55.

Medhurst had been suffering from what his wife described as an “aggressive melanoma cancer” that had attacked his brain. The disease had been diagnosed in late October.

“He spent his final hours surrounded by the kids and I and he felt so much love,” Brenda Medhurst wrote. “We are heartbroken and devastated.”

A Maryland native, Medhurst’s voice was familiar throughout the state and beyond. In addition to his work at Rosecroft, he was the play-by-play announcer for US Naval Academy football and men’s basketball. He also hosted a radio show at the Washington,  DC-based The Team-980 and was part of the Washington Nationals radio broadcast team.

“Known for his meticulous preparation and enthusiastic delivery, Pete brought countless Navy games to life for fans, becoming an inseparable part of the team’s identity,” according to the Eye on Annapolis website.

In recent years Medhurst co-hosted a Preakness day program with Scott Wykoff on WBAL-Baltimore radio. He also served as fill-in announcer one summer at Laurel Park when regular race-caller Dave Rodman was on hiatus.

Members of the harness community created a “Pete Strong” t-shirt, with proceeds donated to the Medhurst family. In addition, Medhurst’s brother-in-law Ken Joyce created a Gofundme page to support them.

[Support the Medhursts through the Gofundme page.]

“Those who knew Pete remember him not only for his remarkable broadcasting skills but also for his kindness, humor, and dedication to his family,” said Eye on Annapolis. “Tributes continue to pour in from friends, colleagues, and listeners across social media.”

[Order a “Pete Strong” shirt]

Funeral arrangements have not been announced.

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