Update (August 13, 2021): Five days after the death of track star Cameron Burrell, who was found dead in a Houston parking garage on Monday, a medical examiner’s report has revealed that the 26-year-old died by suicide. According to the report, the cause of death is identified as a "gunshot wound of the head," TMZ reported. 

Burrell’s family and community at the University of Houston has been mourning the loss of the beloved athlete.

“Words cannot express how we feel for Leroy, Michelle and their family. Cameron grew up around the Houston athletics department, worked hard and developed himself into one of our greatest track and field stars,” athletics director Chris Pezman said, according to WKRN. “To lose him so suddenly is tragic. We ask all University of Houston and track and field fans to keep coach Burrell and his family in their thoughts and prayers.”

The godson of legendary sprinter Carl Lewis won the 100-meter championship in 2018 as a student-athlete at the University of Houston. He also anchored the school’s 4×100-meter relay team and became a three-time NCAA All-American in multiple events.

Original (August 12, 2021): Former NCAA track and field star Cameron Burrell has died at the age of 26. 

Burrell’s parents, Olympic gold medalists Leroy Burrell and Michelle Finn-Burrell, released a statement on the loss of their son, who died on Monday, USA Today reported. 

"My family is extremely saddened with the loss of our son, Cameron, last night,” Leroy said.

"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. We are profoundly grief stricken, and thank everyone for the outpouring of prayers and support," he continued.


Cameron attended the University of Houston where he became a track star and was coached by his father Leroy who has been a track and field coach at the university for years.

Between 2013 and 2018, Cameron was a member of the Houston Cougars track and field team, and in 2018 he won the NCAA individual national championship after dominating his competition in the 100-meters event, ABC 13 reported. 

He also was awarded several All-American honors during his time at the university. 

The University of Houston extended its condolences to Cameron’s family and friends in a tweet.

“We are devastated by the unexpected passing of alumnus Cameron Burrell,” the statement read. "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 Washington Post reported that Chris Pezman, the university’s athletics director, released a statement after the announcement of his passing.

“Words cannot express how we feel for Leroy, Michelle and their family. Cameron grew up around the Houston Athletics Department, worked hard and developed himself into one of our greatest Track and Field stars,” he said.

“To lose him so suddenly is tragic. We ask all University of Houston and track and field fans to keep Coach Burrell and his family in their thoughts and prayers,” he continued. 

Cameron was a well-accomplished track and field athlete who followed in his parents' footsteps.

In 1992, both Leroy and Michelle were awarded gold medals at the Barcelona Olympics after competing in the 4×100-meter relay events.

In addition to his parents being Olympians, Cameron's godfather is Carl Lewis, People reported. His aunt is also an Olympian. 

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