Veteran Horse Trainer Toby Sheets Found Dead on Greek Island

Longtime horse trainer Toby Sheets, who worked alongside Hall of Famer Steve Asmussen, was found dead on the Greek island of Mathraki under mysterious circumstances. Sheets' death adds to a string of unexplained deaths on Greek Islands in recent weeks.

"He did pass away in Greece," Greg Sheets, Toby’s cousin, told Thoroughbred Daily News. "As of right now, that’s all we know. The family is trying to figure out what happened."

Veteran Horse Trainer Toby Sheets Found Dead on Greek Island

Sheets was 55 years old.

Sheets’ death comes as Greek Islands have had multiple mysterious deaths in recent weeks. Seven total tourists have been found missing or dead this month alone, though most of them have been hikers.

Veteran Horse Trainer Toby Sheets Found Dead on Greek Island

A heat wave could be the reason behind some of the deaths, as temperatures have hit 100 degrees in parts of the country.

The cause of Sheets’ death was not disclosed.

Veteran Horse Trainer Toby Sheets Found Dead on Greek Island

The island Sheets was on has a population of 100 people, and is west of Corfu, an island that attracts more tourists. Mathraki is only 1.2 square miles.

"Today was a part of our stable for many years, including our Belmont Stakes win with Creator, as well as his expert handling of Haynesfield among others," Asmussen said, via Thoroughbred Daily News. "He will be deeply missed by his family and many friends."

Sheets was first reported missing on Thursday and was last seen alive on Tuesday at a café with two other tourists, according to CBS. The two female tourists have since left the island.

"He was found in the surf on the beach at a spot which had already been searched, so it seems he was washed out of the sea in the past 24 hours," Mathraki Deputy Mayor Spyros Argyros told The New York Times.

Sheets' untimely death has left his family and friends in shock and mourning. Asmussen, who worked closely with Sheets for many years, expressed his deep sadness and condolences.

"Toby was a talented trainer and a dedicated member of our team," Asmussen said. "He will be deeply missed by all who knew him."

The circumstances surrounding Sheets' death are still under investigation. Greek authorities are working to determine the cause of death and whether any foul play was involved.

Sheets' passing serves as a reminder of the dangers that can be associated with travel, especially in remote areas. It also highlights the importance of staying informed about local conditions and taking necessary precautions to ensure safety.

As the investigation into Sheets' death continues, his family and friends are left to grieve the loss of a beloved member of their community. The horse racing industry has also lost a respected and talented trainer. Sheets' legacy will live on through the memories of those who knew him and through the horses he trained and helped to succeed.