Dominique Dawes has given a sad update on the search for her missing father-in-law. The Olympic gymnast said a frantic search ended with the discovery of Leonard Hugh Thompson’s body. The 79-year-old had been missing for days after authorities found his car with a flat tire.
A five-day search in Virginia resulted in tragedy
In a post on social media on 21 December, Dominique paid tribute to her father-in-law. She shared a snap of him holding one of her and husband Jeff Thompson’s children. She wrote: “Rest in Peace, Papa T. We are holding onto the memories. It is with a very heavy heart that I report my father-in-law has been found and not in the way we had hoped for.”
She added in the post’s caption: “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.”
Authorities found Leonard’s body in Troutville, Virginia, on Saturday. He had been missing for five days, with his car reportedly found abandoned on Interstate 81 with a flat tire.
The four-time Olympic medalist had previously asked for help locating Leonard on her social media. She wrote: “Please help my family find my father-in-law. He has been missing for days — last seen Monday evening in Winchester, Virginia, car left abandoned with a flat tire in Roanoke, Virginia Tuesday early morning. Law-enforcement is suspecting that he was picked up by a trucker. He was traveling 81 south. If you see him, please approach him. We believe he has had a health episode and is disoriented and confused. Please call 911.”
TELL US – PLEASE FEEL FREE TO OFFER WORDS OF SUPPORT TO THE FAMILY
