On Sunday, Oct. 16 many were shocked to learn of the death of Trinity Gay, 15, the daughter of Olympic sprinter Tyson Gay. Trinity was at a Cook Out restaurant in Lexington, Kentucky, around 4 a.m. when there was an exchange of gunfire between two vehicles. Trinity, an innocent bystander, was struck in the neck and later died at the University of Kentucky Medical Center.
Police have announced the arrests of three men in connection with the shooting. The men have been identified as Chazerae Taylor,38, his son D’Markeo Taylor,19, and D’Vonta Middlebrooks, 21. It is believed that Middlebrooks, a convicted felon, fired the shot that killed Trinity Gay. All three men have been charged with wanton endangerment for their role in the gunfight. Middlebrooks has also been charged as a felon in possession of a gun.
Trinity was a sophomore and rising track star at Lafayette High School who dreamed of following in her father’s steps. As a gifted sprinter, she finished fourth in the 100 meters and fifth in the 200 meters at the state Class 3A high school track meet in May 2016. Lafayette High School is also the alma mater of her father, who holds the state record in the 100 set in 2001 that has yet to be broken.
There has been an outpouring of support for the Gay family from many Olympic athletes and coaches. The official Twitter account of USA Track & Field, tweeted:
“Sending our thoughts & prayers to @TysonLGay & his loved ones as they mourn the tragic & senseless loss of his daughter, Trinity.”
Tyson Gay has competed in the last three Olympics and is considered the fastest sprinter in history not to have an Olympic medal. His career has been hampered by doping disqualifications over the years.
