Leon Roach aka LeLe Roach, a 19-year-old sophomore pole vaulter from Huntington Beach, died of head injuries suffered in a freak accident on Thursday. While training at UC San Diego, he missed the practice pad while taking part in a rope swing drill. His head landed on concrete and the athlete, who was unresponsive, was rushed to Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla. He was declared brain-dead on Saturday and removed from life support.
LeLe was a standout athlete at Marina High School in Huntington Beach with a jump of 15 feet 4 inches, making it into the state competition his senior year. He was also making a name for himself at the college level. In March, Roach placed 4th in the San Diego Collegiate Track and Field Championship, the only freshman in the top eight.
According to family members, Roach drove down to campus on Thursday to practice with the track team, though the school year hadn’t officially started. UC San Diego officials issued a statement: “Words cannot express our sorrow. Our hearts go out to the family and friends of this remarkable student and valued member of the UC San Diego community.”
Leon Roach III is survived by his father Leon Roach II, his mother MaryAnn Roach, a sister Christyn Hendrick and a brother Curtis Hendrick.
View more photos and video posted by LeLe’s brother Curtis Hendrick below. More photos available here.