Olympic gymnastics champion Dominique Dawes, 49, did not get the news she or her family wanted. Dawes made several social media pleas during the week for the internet to help police and her family find her father-in-law Leonard Hugh Thompson. The 79-year-old was last seen on Monday in the Herndon, Virginia area with his car discovered nearby on Tuesday.
Police found Thompson’s body on Saturday in Troutville, Virginia, which is about 10 miles from Roanoake.
In her prior posts, Dawes said they believed he suffered a medical episode and could have been picked up by a Good Samaritan or truck driver.
Details regarding the recovery of his body have not been made available so it is not clear if foul play is suspected.
Dominique Dawes Thanked Fans For Their Prayers
As the family mourns, Dawes wrote a note of gratitude to her fans and those who shared her social media posts.
“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.”
This is sad and tragic any time of the year but especially in the days before Christmas.
Our hearts and prayers go out Leonard Thompson’s loved ones.
