Cameron Burrell, a former University of Houston champion sprinter and the son of Olympic gold medal winners Leroy Burrell and Michelle Finn-Burrell, died Monday at the age of 26 according to KTRK.
The University of Houston, where Olympian Leroy Burrell works as the head track coach, announced the shocking news online.
“We are devastated by the unexpected passing of alumnus Cameron Burrell. We offer our sincerest condolences and support to the Burrell family and all who knew him, including Cameron’s many friends, coaches and teammates.” pic.twitter.com/Wnjb12knIh
ustom-banner ampforwp-incontent-ad2">— University of Houston (@UHouston) August 10, 2021
Burrell’s father, Leroy Burrell, an American former track and field athlete, who twice set the world record for the 100m sprint, released this statement:
“My family is extremely saddened with the loss of our son, Cameron, last night. We are going through profound sorrow and ask that all of our friends, extended University of Houston family and the track and field community in the U.S. and abroad allow us to gather with our closest family and friends.”
Leroy was a member of the winning 4×100 relay team with Michael Marsh, Dennis Mitchell and Carl Lewis that set a world record time of 37.40 seconds. His wife Michelle also won a gold medal in the women’s 4×100 relay that summer.
There is no news of a cause of death. Cameron is survived by his father, Leroy; his mother, Michelle Finn-Burrell, and brothers, Joshua and Jaden.
Rest in peace.