Trinity Gay, 15, Killed: How She Was Following In Olympian Father’s Footsteps

Before her untimely death on Oct. 16, Trinity Gay was working hard to become just like her dad, Tyson Gay. Trinity was a top sprinter for her Kentucky high school, just like her Olympic sprinter dad was, and we are heartbroken that she cannot continue in his footsteps. Find out about Trinity’s hopes and dreams, right here.

15-year-old Trinity Gay, who was fatally shot at Cook Out restaurant in Lexington, Kentucky early on Oct. 16, was a star athlete for Lafayette High School, the school her Olympic sprinter father, Tyson Gay, also attended. Trinity, a top sprinter herself, was honored by the Kentucky High School Athletic Association Commissioner Julian Tackett, who tweeted that he was, “Shocked to hear of death of Trinity Gay. A life of such potential cut so tragically short. Sympathies to Tyson and entire family.” Clearly, Trinity held a special place in the hearts of the school’s athletic community.

Trinity’s mother, Shoshana Boyd said that her daughter’s dreams included being a surgeon and an Olympian, just like dad, according to the New York Daily News. And following in his footsteps she was, as he was an amazing sprinter at the school too. Trinity ran fourth in last year’s girls’ 100-meter dash state championship, an amazing feat to be sure. Trinity’s teammates loved her so much they had been contacting their coach, Crystal Washington, all morning and have decided to be part of a memorial or tribute. “The kids were really close with her,” Crystal said. “We’ve got to do something.” We are so glad to hear they will be honoring her memory!

See photos of Trinity’s father, Tyson Gay

Though Trinity wanted to achieve what her father had, she was apparently quite good at being unique as well. “But the way that [Trinity] handled herself and the way she stood out as her own person, that was probably the most admirable thing about her,” Bryan Station Coach Kathy Broadnax, who watched Trinity on the track field, said. “She was [Tyson’s] daughter but she left her own mark on track from a very young age. She was up there as seventh and eighth grader competing against seniors in high school. I think anyone in the track community looked at that like ‘Wow, she has that blood. She’s going to be a phenomenal athlete if she just continues to work and put in what she needs to on the track.’” What a devastating loss. Our hearts are with her father and mother, the rest of her family, and her school community on this tragic day.

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