Olympic medalist, Texas A&M grad Deon Lendore dies in car crash, Texas officials say
Deon Lendore, a three-time Olympian and former track star at Texas A&M University, died in a car crash in Texas, according to media reports.
Lendore’s death was reported by KBTX, which reported the crash happened outside Bryan-College Station on Highway 6 on Monday, Jan. 10. NBC Sports’ Ato Boldon, who is also a former Olympian, confirmed Lendore’s death.
Details of the crash, which happened northwest of Houston, were not available.
Lendore was a 12-time All-American as an athlete at Texas A&M and was a part of five indoor and outdoor national championships in 2013 and 2014 as either a solo runner or a part of a relay. He was in his second season as a volunteer assistant at the university.
As an Olympian, Lendore represented Trinidad and Tobago in three Olympic games. He was the anchor leg for his country when it won a bronze medal in the 4x400 meter relay at the 2012 Olympics in London.
The Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee said in a Facebook post early Tuesday, Jan. 11, that Lendore was “an inspiration and motivation to us all both on and off the track.”
“Deon has flown the Trinidad and Tobago flag with pride, honor, patriotism and an indomitable will throughout his career while helping and inspiring many,” the committee said.
Shamfa Cudjoe, the sports minister in the country, also sent her condolences, echoing some of the thoughts from the Olympic committee.
“I salute this outstanding athlete for his tremendous contributions to the development and promotion of sports,” Cudjoe said. “Lendore was truly an inspiration to all of us and has proudly represented this country in the field of athletics. He epitomized hope and joy each time his feet landed on the track. He was indeed a trailblazer, a life gone too soon. We thank him for everything he has done and for giving distinguished and diligent service to Trinidad and Tobago.”
This story was originally published January 11, 2022 at 12:55 PM with the headline "Olympic medalist, Texas A&M grad Deon Lendore dies in car crash, Texas officials say."