‘Super coral’ scientist dies in Hawaii at 56

Super coral scientist dies in Hawaii at 56

HONOLULU (AP) — Pioneering coral reef scientist Ruth Gates, who dedicated much of her career to saving the world’s fragile and deteriorating underwater reef ecosystems, has died. She was 56.

Gates died in Honolulu last week, the University of Hawaii said Tuesday. The researcher, also the president of the International Society for Reef Studies, was diagnosed with brain cancer in May and had been on medical leave since.

Gates became known globally for her idea to speed up coral evolution and create more resilient reefs.

The Associated Press first wrote about her project to breed “super coral” in 2015. Her goal was to develop coral that could withstand the devastating effects of climate change. Her work was featured in the 2017 Netflix documentary “Chasing Coral.”

Ex-Seahawks coach Jack Patera dies at 85

RENTON, Wash. (AP) — Jack Patera, the first head coach in the history of the Seattle Seahawks, has died at age 85.

Patera died on Wednesday, the team said. The cause of death was not clear, but Patera had been battling pancreatic cancer.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Jack Patera and extend our utmost sympathies and condolences to the Patera family,” read a statement from the Seahawks. “We will remember coach Patera most for his big heart, sense of humor and genuine spirit.”

Patera was Seattle’s head coach for parts of seven seasons, beginning with the team’s inaugural season in 1976. Patera’s best seasons came in 1978-79 when the Seahawks went 9-7 in consecutive years, but failed to make the playoffs. Patera was named the NFL coach of the year in 1978.

Patera was fired after starting the 1982 season 0-2 and finished his career as a head coach with a 35-59 record.

Ex-big league pitcher Bill Fischer dies at 88

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Former big league pitcher Bill Fischer, who spent more than seven decades as a player and coach in professional baseball, died Tuesday He was 88.

The Royals announced Fischer’s death in a statement Wednesday. No cause was given.

Fischer was 17 when he signed with the Chicago White Sox in 1948. He was fresh out of high school and played until 1951, when he was drafted by the Marines. He returned to the White Sox in 1954 and wound up playing for nine organizations and making 281 major league appearances.

He retired from playing in 1968 and moved into coaching with stops in Cincinnati, Boston, Tampa Bay, Atlanta and Kansas City, where he spent the past eight seasons as a senior adviser.