Gymnastics legend Dominique Dawes is currently grieving the loss of her father-in-law, Leonard Thompson. The heartbreaking news was shared by Dawes on her Instagram account on December 20, where she initially reached out to her followers for help in locating Thompson, who had gone missing. Tragically, it was later confirmed that Thompson had passed away at the age of 79.
Dawes, a four-time Olympic medalist, shared a heartfelt video on Instagram pleading for assistance in finding her father-in-law. She described him as a white male with white hair, possibly disoriented and confused, last seen in Winchester, Virginia. Unfortunately, his abandoned car was found in Roanoke, Virginia, leading authorities to believe he had been picked up by a trucker and was traveling south on Interstate 81.
Leonard’s body was discovered in southwestern Virginia, bringing a devastating end to the search. Dawes shared a touching photo of Thompson with one of her sons as a baby, expressing her deep sorrow over his passing. She reflected on their final moments together, attending mass and bidding him farewell with a hug, knowing he was now in a better place.
Reports from USA Today and Essentially Sports revealed that Leonard was found deceased by authorities, with no further details on the cause of death. Prior to Dawes’ public plea, a missing persons notice had been circulated detailing Leonard’s last known whereabouts and physical appearance.
Dominique Dawes, affectionately known as “Awesome Dawesome,” achieved Olympic glory with Team USA in 1996, winning a gold medal and an individual bronze in the floor competition. Her success continued at the 1992 and 2000 Olympics, solidifying her place in gymnastics history.
In addition to her athletic achievements, Dawes has established the Dominique Dawes Gymnastics and Ninja Academy, with multiple locations in Maryland. Her dedication to the sport and commitment to nurturing young talent showcase her passion for gymnastics beyond the competitive arena.
The loss of Leonard Thompson has undoubtedly left a void in Dawes’ family, but her strength and resilience shine through as she navigates this difficult time. The outpouring of support from fans and the gymnastics community serves as a testament to the impact Dawes has had both on and off the mat.
