U.S. 400m runner Torrin Lawrence died when a semi truck crashed into his stationary car after one of his tires blew out on a Georgia interstate early Monday morning, a sheriff confirmed.
Lawrence, 25, was on Interstate 75 near Cordele, Ga., 94 miles north of the Florida-Georgia border when the tire blew out.
He called 911 with his car sitting in the middle lane of a three-lane highway, and the crash happened around 1:45 a.m., before a deputy arrived, Crisp County Sheriff Billy Hancock said.
“We’re not exactly sure where he was in relation to the car,” Hancock said. “He was caught up in the accident.”
Lawrence, 25, ran in the 4x400m relay heats at the IAAF World Relays in Nassau, Bahamas, on May 24. The U.S. went on to win the event, and Lawrence earned a gold medal.
Lawrence finished ninth in the 400m at the U.S. Outdoor Championships on June 27.
This can't be real life man. Just talked to him yesterday man.... RIP Torrin! See ya up there one day. Prayers w/fam pic.twitter.com/vCH5IuqBI7
— Manteo Mitchell, OLY (@ManteoMitchell) July 28, 2014
RIP Torrin Lawrence @TrackTarantula . You was so talented but God wanted you beside Him in the kingdom of heaven. Watch over us #TrackNation
— Ashley Spencer, oly (@theTrackQueen) July 28, 2014
Sad news about Torrin Lawrence, solid athlete
— Martyn Rooney (@MartynRooney) July 28, 2014
RIP @TrackTarantula
— Jeremy Wariner OLY (@Jwariner) July 28, 2014
Thoughts and prayers go out to friends and family of 400m runner Torrin Lawrence. R.I.P.
— David Oliver (@doliversub13) July 28, 2014
R.I.P Torrin Lawrence prayers up for him and his family. Definitely tragic, cherish life. @TrackNationUSA family
— wallace spearmon jr (@PrinceSpearmon) July 28, 2014
Omg it's so tragic to hear about Torrin Lawrence! I pray for his family and friends and his soul! RIP.. Man this is sad
— Kellie Wells Brinkley OLY (@KellieWellz) July 28, 2014
