By Sue-Ann Wayow
OLYMPIC bronze medalist Deon Lendore has died in the US in a vehicular accident.
The sudden death of the 29-year-old sprinter has shocked many with some posting their disbelief and condolences on social media.
News of his death in Texas was reported on local, regional and sports news agencies after hitting social media just after midnight on Tuesday.
Other Olympians including Ato Boldon also tweeted about his death.
The 400-metre sprinter first represented Trinidad and Tobago at the Olympic Games in London in 2012 where his bronze medal was secured. He also represented the country in all the Olympic Games held afterwards, in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil and Tokyo, Japan, last year.
Team Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee tweeted, “Words cannot adequately express our sadness at the devastating and untimely loss of 3x Olympian and Olympic and World Championship bronze medalist Deon Lendore who has been an inspiration and motivation to us all both on and off the track.”
World Athletics also wrote that it was deeply saddened to hear that Trinidad and Tobago’s Olympic and world 4x400m medalist Deon Lendore has died at the age of 29.
And Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar also posted her condolences.
She wrote on Facebook, “The news that Olympic hero Deon Lendore has tragically passed away has met me with tremendous sadness. A three-time Olympian Deon made every citizen of our nation proud when he brought home the bronze medal in the 4x400m in London 2012. Trinidad and Tobago has sadly lost an outstanding athlete and a true national hero. I extend my deepest condolences to Deon’s family and friends as well as to all those in the track and field fraternity.”
