Dominique Dawes, the celebrated Olympic gymnastics gold medalist, and her family are mourning the passing of her father-in-law, Leonard Hugh Thompson, who was discovered deceased after being reported missing for five days. Authorities located the 79-year-old’s car on Interstate 81 near Roanoke, Virginia, on December 20, with a flat tire and missing keys. Dawes had previously appealed to the public via social media, expressing concerns that Thompson might be suffering from disorientation due to a health incident.
On Saturday evening, Dawes shared a heartfelt tribute on her official Instagram account, posting a photo with the caption “Rest in Peace, Papa T.” She expressed gratitude for the community’s prayers and support during this profoundly challenging time, finding solace in the belief that her father-in-law is now at peace with “our Lord and Savior.”
Dawes, who hails from Silver Spring, Maryland, made history at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta as the first Black woman to secure gold in gymnastics, leading the U.S. team to victory and also claiming a bronze medal for her performance in the floor exercises. Additionally, she earned bronze medals as part of Team USA at both the 1992 Barcelona Games and the 2000 Sydney Games, solidifying her legacy in the sport.
This time of grief highlights not only the personal loss for the Dawes family but also their connection to the broader gymnastics community that continues to rally around its members in difficult times.