America’s fastest college athlete Cameron Burrell’s death in a parking garage is ruled a suicide
- Houston alumnus and former NCAA track star Cameron Burrell died Monday night at age 26
- Burrell, 26, died from a gunshot wound to the head, according to the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences
- His loved ones say they are ‘devastated’ by his unexpected passing and are ‘going through profound sorrow’
- During his collegiate career, Burrell was the NCAA Division I champion over 100 meters in 2018 and anchored Houston’s 4x100m relay team
The tragic death of former NCAA track star Cameron Burrell in a Houston, Texas parking garage has been ruled a suicide.
Burrell, 26, died on Monday from a gunshot wound to the head, according to the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.
The University of Houston had announced the former sprinter’s death on Tuesday.
‘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,’ the university wrote.
The Burrell family says they are ‘grief-stricken’ and ‘going through profound sorrow’ right now.
University of Houston alumnus and NCAA track star Cameron Burrell (pictured training at Houston in 2019) died Monday night at age 26
The University of Houston announced his passing Tuesday on their Twitter account
‘My family is extremely saddened with the loss of our son, Cameron, last night,’ Burrell’s father, Leroy, said in a statement provided by the university.
‘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.’
He added: ‘We are profoundly grief-stricken, and thank everyone for the outpouring of prayers and support. We will forward more information when it is available.’
Family friend Mike Pedé offered his condolences to the Burrell family, saying his ‘heart breaks’ for the athlete’s parents, Leroy and Michelle.
‘I cannot imagine the pain they must be going through, but I draw on Leroy’s undying positivity and we should all send some to this family know as they try to make some sense of Cameron’s passing,’ Pedé wrote on Facebook.
‘From Sienna, to Ridge Point, to UH to the world track & field stage, Cameron was a treasure to all that came across him. Rest in Peach Cameron, you will be missed but not forgotten.’
Burrell was a sprinter at the University of Houston. He was the NCAA Division I champion over 100 meters in 2018 and anchored Houston’s 4x100m relay team.
Close family friend Mike Pedé posted a heartfelt tribute on Facebook offering his condolences to the Burrell family
Burrell (left) grew up surrounded by athletes. His godfather, Carl Lewis (right), was a legendary track star and nine-time Olympic gold medalist
He is credited with being the fastest college athlete in the U.S.
Burrell grew up surrounded by athletes. His father was a gold medalist at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics in the 4x100m relay and the former world record holder in the 100m. His mother also won track gold at the 1992 games.
His godfather, Carl Lewis, was a legendary track star and nine-time Olympic gold medalist.
Burrell is survived by his father, Leroy; his mother, Michelle Finn-Burrell; and brothers, Joshua and Jaden.
Funeral arrangements are pending and will be announced soon.
Burrell (pictured at a championship in 2018) was a sprinter at the University of Houston. He was the NCAA Division I champion over 100 meters in 2018 and anchored Houston’s 4x100m relay team