The play-by-play, or "Chief Announcer" of the race is known as "The Voice of The 500". Although Bill Slater anchored early broadcasts on Mutual, Sid Collins, who had served alongside Slater in previous years as a turn reporter or analyst, is considered by most as the first true "Voice". For the opening quarter-century of the Network's official independent existence, from 1952 to 1976, Collins served as the chief announcer, and ultimately as the template for all who have successively followed. One of Collins' most notable moments in broadcasting came during the 1964 race. After a fiery crash on the main stretch, Collins delivered an impromptu eulogy for Eddie Sachs, who was killed in the accident along with Dave MacDonald. The network received over 30,000 letters asking for a transcript of the on-air eulogy. Collins committed suicide on May 2, 1977, after being diagnosed with ALS.