Crime

What to Know: Tragic Death of Olympic Sprinter Tyson Gay's 15-Year-Old Daughter

Olympic sprinter Tyson Gay's 15-year-old daughter Trinity was shot and killed early Sunday morning near a restaurant in Lexington, Kentucky.

Published on October 17, 2016 01:20 PM

Olympic sprinter Tyson Gay’s 15-year-old daughter Trinity was shot and killed early Sunday morning near a restaurant in Lexington, Kentucky. Three men have been arrested and charged and were indicted in December following the 4 a.m. incident. Here’s what you need to know about the teen and her tragic death.

She had followed in her father’s footsteps
Trinity was a track and field athlete at Lafayette High in Lexington, placing fourth in the 100-meter dash, fifth in the 200-meter dash and fourth in the 4×200-meter relay at Kentucky’s 3A meet this past May, according to the Associated Press. Tyson, who attended the same high school, holds the state record in the 100-meter sprint from a 2001 race — and was exceptionally close with his athletic daughter. “I’m so confused. She was just here last week for fall break. It’s so crazy. I have no idea what happened,” Tyson told Lex18 about Trinity following her death.

Tyson Gay Daughter Killed — Mark Maloney/Lexington Herald-Leader via AP

The teen was shot at the scene
Officers responded to the parking lot of a local restaurant near the University of Kentucky around 4 a.m. on Sunday, after it was reported that shots were fired. Witnesses told authorities gunfire was exchanged between two vehicles, and that Trinity was shot at the scene, according to a press release obtained by PEOPLE. Police spokeswoman Brenna Angel says police don’t believe Trinity was in either of the vehicles involved, according to the Associated Press. The teen was struck in the neck and died at University of Kentucky Medical Center.

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Three men have been indicted
Three Kentucky men, including a father and son, have been indicted in the fatal shooting. Chazerae, 38, was indicted on one count of Wanton murder and four counts of Wanton Endangerment. Taylor’s son, D’Markeo Taylor, 19, was indicted on one count of Wanton Endangerment and Lamonte Williams, 20, on five counts. Meanwhile, police said, Dvonta Middlebrooks, 21, who was also charged in connection with the death, remains in jail.

Taylor, D’markeo and Middlebrooks were arrested and charged on the day of the shooting. The men pleaded not guilty. Williams was arrested days later. It is unclear whether he has entered a plea.

Her high school brought in grief counselors
The Superintendent of Fayette County Public Schools, Emmanuel Caulk, released a statement: “Our hearts are broken this morning over the loss of Trinity to this tragic and senseless act of violence. Please join us in keeping the Gay family close in thought and prayer and supporting the students, staff and families at Lafayette High during this unspeakably difficult time.” Grief counselors will be at Lafayette High School on Monday, according to the Associated Press.

Trinity’s death follows a disappointing Rio Olympics for her father
Tyson, who was stripped of his 2012 London silver medal in the 4×100-meter relay after testing positive for steroids, ran on the American men’s 4×100-meter relay in Rio. They finished third in the finals, but were later disqualified for an illegal baton exchange. The team, including sprinters Justin Gatlin and Mike Rodgers, appealed the disqualification, but were denied. Instead, Canada took home the bronze medal.