Olympic and World Champion medalist Deon Lendore died Monday (January 10) in a car accident in Texas. He was 29 years old.
Lendore worked as a volunteer assistant coach for Texas A&M University over the last two seasons and was returning home from practice when he was involved in a vehicle accident, the school said.
Lendore competed for his native Trinidad and Tobago during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics and won bronze in the men's 4x400m relay during the 2012 London Olympic games.
He took home the silver medal in the same event during the 2015 World Championships in Beijing before winning the individual bronze medal in the 400m race during the 2016 and 2018 World Indoor Championships.
"Words cannot adequately express our sadness at the devastating and untimely loss of 3x Olympian and Olympic World Championship bronze medalist Deon Lendore who has been an inspiration and motivation to us all both on [and] off the track," the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee said in a statement.
"Deon has flown the Trinidad and Tobago flag with pride, honor, patriotism and an indomitable will throughout his career while helping and inspiring many."
Deon was training as a professional athlete with Puma while also working for Texas A&M.
"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Deon Lendore, who has been with the PUMA Family since 2017," the athletic brand said in a statement.
"We are honored that he had chosen us to be by his side for a large part of his successful track & field career. Our thoughts are with his family. Rest in peace, Deon."
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