Racing reporter, photographer, critic and columnist Henny Ray Abrams was found dead this morning in his New York City apartment.

Long-time Cycle News Editor Paul Carruthers told Roadracing World that he had contacted racer Dave Roper, who also lives in Brooklyn, and asked him to check on Abrams after being unable to contact Abrams for several days. Carruthers said that Roper found Abrams at his computer, dead.

Roadracing World was unable to contact Roper prior to post time.

Abrams had covered Grand Prix and AMA Pro Racing for decades, primarily for Cycle News in its original print format and most recently for its online reincarnation. His weekly column frequently discussed racing organizations, sanctioning bodies, teams and riders. He also wrote for Sport Rider magazine and often contributed stories to programs sold at various racing events.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.

This just in, via a returned phone call to Roadracing World:

“Paul Carruthers called me,” said Roper, a long-time friend of Abrams, “and I called his good friend who lived down the hall. We met together and went into his apartment. She had a key to his apartment. We went in, and there he was sitting at his computer quite dead.

“Police and EMS have come here, and they’re waiting for the medical examiner. We don’t know what happened. I don’t know if we will know anything for a while.

“He had a couple of what seemed like fairly minor health problems, but maybe it was worse than he was letting on or he knew. Who knows? He was 57 years old.”

More, from a press release issued by AMA Pro Racing:

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (February 28, 2013) – Statement from AMA Pro Racing on the passing of Henny Ray Abrams:

AMA Pro Racing is deeply saddened by the loss of longtime motorsports journalist Henny Ray Abrams. Since the 1970s, Abrams has covered nearly every form of motorcycle racing and his contribution to the AMA Pro Racing paddock and the sport of motorcycle racing as a whole will be dearly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with the staff of Cycle News, his family and friends at this difficult time. AMA Pro Racing is the premier professional motorcycle racing organization in North America, operating a full schedule of events and championships for a variety of motorcycle disciplines. Learn more about AMA Pro Racing at www.amaproracing.com.