Chris Benchetler Honors the Late Bill Walton With Touching Post

Professional skier and renowned artist Chris Benchetler is joining the millions of Americans mourning the loss of Bill Walton.

Walton was one of the greatest basketball players of all-time, but his impact stretched far beyond the defined lines of a court. Notably, Walton was the ethereal narrator of Benchetler's 2019 film 'Fire on the Mountain'. See below.

If you're a fan of professional sports, particularly basketball, you most likely have memories of Bill Walton narrating games with a flair and eccentricity that captivated audiences.

Since the announcement of his passing yesterday afternoon, it seems that nearly every person who met Walton can vouch that he was the same person away from the microphones.

Benchetler testified to these accounts in the caption of his Instagram post:

"Bill was bigger than life. He had become such a supportive mentor in my life. He helped permanently remove words from my vocabulary, and showed me the importance of being impeccable with my words.

He hated how long my emails were, but always took the time to read them. He welcomed me into the Grateful Dead family with open arms, and gave me so many meaningful memories and connections in this community. He was a huge supporter of my artistic pursuits, and embodied gratitude, grace, passion, and purpose.

His voice wove together one of my most meaningful art projects to date…and I will never be able to hear the word FIRE!!! the same again. His loss will leave a very big hole, but his light will always out shine any reason to be sad. Bill was a true inspiration to so many. Lori, you and your family will always hold a place in our hearts.

Thank you for showing the world what it means to truly live a life well lived Bill Walton! We love you!!"

Walton and Benchetler's relationship began while working on 'Fire on the Mountain', perhaps Benchetler's seminal work thus far. As a widely-known 'Dead Head', Bill Walton was the perfect fit to narrate the trippy, Grateful Dead inspired experience.

Check out the full film below:

The news of Walton's passing comes on the heels of Benchetler's announcement that he's working on another collaborative project with Dead & Co.. The new "immersive experience" is titled 'Mountains of the Moon', and is expected to debut in Fall 2025.

We have no doubt that Walton would have been overly-enthusiastic about the project.

Our thoughts and condolences are with Bill Walton's family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.

Related: Chris Benchetler Opens Up About New Collaboration With the Grateful Dead: 'Mountains of the Moon'

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