Former US Olympic gold medalist Dominique Dawes has announced that her father-in-law, Leonard Thompson, has been found dead.
Dawes posted on Instagram over the weekend that Thompson was missing in Virginia.
“PLEASE HELP! My father-in-law is still missing. He was last seen early Tuesday morning,” she shared.” He is more than likely disoriented and confused due to a health episode. Thank you so very much!”
Dominique Dawes then posted another update a day later stating that Thompson was last seen in Winchester, Va. and his car was left abandoned in Roanoke, Va.
Later, she shared that he was found dead.
“Rest in peace, Papa T. We are holding on to the memories,” Dawes posted. “It is with a heavy heart that I report my father-in-law has been found and not in the way that we hoped for.
“We take comfort in knowing that he is now with our Lord and Savior. Thank you all for the prayers and support during this very difficult time. Our last moment with him was accompanying him at mass and giving him a hug and my husband and I said, ‘Get home safely’ ….. Rest in Peace, Papa T.”
The comments to Dawes’ post were filled with people offering condolences and prayers to Dawes and her family.
“I am so sorry to hear this, Dominique,” former US Gymnastics team member Dominique Moceanu said. “Prayers to you all. Our family is deeply sorry for your loss. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.”
Another comment added: “I’m so sorry for your family’s loss. Michele and I will be keeping you all in prayer.”
Dominique Dawes represented the United States in the 1992, 1996 and 2000 Olympic Games. She won a gold medal in the team all-around in 1996 and also earned three Olympic bronze medals during her career.