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Olympic Great Carl Lewis Killed In Houston Bike Path Accident
Associated Press
HOUSTON, Texas -- A collision on a Houston bicycle path Wednesday evening claimed the life of nine time, Olympic Gold Medallist Carl Lewis. The former world record holder died around 8:15 PM CST after striking an unmarked concrete abutment.
In a track and field career launched at the University of Houston and spanned four Olympic Games, Lewis dominated sprint events and virtually owned the long jump. The long time Houstonian had recently continued his Olympic involvement working tirelessly on Houston's recent bid for the 2012 Summer Olympic Games.
According to a police spokesman, the tragedy occurred as Lewis and a friend rode their bicycles through Houston's Memorial Park after leaving an area restaurant for a downtown destination. Police estimate Lewis struck the abutment at the foot of a railroad underpass in excess of eighteen miles per hour.
Paramedics arrived quickly but were unable to revive an unconscious Lewis. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
In a tragic irony, construction on the new bicycle path was apparently finished and Lewis had been invited to officiate the ribbon cutting ceremony only two days later, according to Jerome Wilson, a family friend.
Immediate attention focused on whether or not the facility had been actually opened to the public. "I can't believe they would leave it like that," said one investigator.
Family members were unavailable for comment and Carl's sister Carol, herself a three time Gold Medallist, was reported to be inconsolable.
"He was totally committed to this City. He worked so hard on the Olympic [Houston 2012] project and he did anything they asked," said Wilson. "Then this happens. He went out there just to see this new path before the ribbon cutting ceremony."
Lewis won an unprecedented nine gold medals in four different Olympic Games, in the 100-meter sprint, 200-meter sprint, and the long jump. He was 41 years old.
City officials, including Mayor Lee Brown, declined to give a statement and had referred all inquiries to the City's legal department.
Photo: An arrow indicates the concrete abutment Lewis slammed into.
"He was probably flying down that hill and it's obvious he didn't see that wall sticking out there," speculated one paramedic.
"That abutment is about knee-high and unmarked, so I can't imagine a better way to nail bikers coming down that hill," he added.
A police officer who spoke on condition of anonymity said, "We've never been big on bikes here in Houston, but this is just downright dangerous."
Reached in Connecticut, US Olympic Committee chief Marty Mankamyer expressed sadness and some relief. "I guess this confirms our decision to avoid Houston in 2012."
Memorial services have not been planned.
