William "Wildcat" Morris dies

CARSON CITY -- William "Wildcat" Morris, a prominent Las Vegas attorney, died today of an apparent heart attack shortly after he left the Reno-Tahoe International Airport.

He was 70 years old.

Morris had been active in community affairs both in Las Vegas and Reno and was on his way to attend the 30th annual Wolf Pack dinner at the governor's mansion in Carson City. He had helped start the event 30 years ago to benefit athletes at the University of Nevada, Reno.

Morris was in a car driven by Jackie Springer, the wife of Chief Justice Charles Springer, when he keeled over. Morris' wife Vivienne tried to revive him and he was taken to Washoe Medical Center where he was pronounced dead shortly after 4 p.m.

His death cast a pall over the fund-raising dinner. Greg Carano of the Silver Legacy and the Eldorado hotel-casinos in Reno announced it would set up a $10,000 scholarship in his name at the university in Reno where he attended and played football.

Morris served on the board of regents of the University of Nevada. He was a part owner of the Holiday Casino on the Las Vegas Strip which was later sold to Harrah's. He then purchased the Landmark hotel-casino across the street from the Las Vegas Convention Center.

But the Landmark eventually lapsed into bankruptcy.

He was an ardent supporter of athletics at both UNLV and UNR.

Sen. William Raggio, R-Reno, the master of ceremonies at the Wolf Pack Dinner, called for a moment of silence to remember all that Morris did for the athletic program at the Reno school.

Morris had called his long-time friend Chief Justice Charles Springer and they and their wives had intended to be at the dinner tonight.

A funeral date is not yet known.