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WKU Assistant Track Coach Dies at Age 34

WKU Athletic Communications/Media Relations

The Western Kentucky University Track and Field team is mourning the loss of assistant coach Willie Johnson, who passed away early Sunday morning.

He was 34 years old.

The team held a candle light vigil in memory of Johnson Monday night at the WKU Track and Field Complex.

Johnson was in his fifth season on the WKU staff and helped coach the women’s spinters, hurdlers, and jumpers.

He leaves behind a wife and a son.

“I lost a true friend on Sunday,” head track and field coach Erik Jenkins said. “His friendship was invaluable, and I will dearly miss him. He gave so much to this program and cared deeply for his student-athletes. He was a great father, husband, friend and coach to many. We are here for Lacee and Ace as they process this very difficult time.”

A statement released by WKU Athletics said Johnson was a native of Orlando, Fla., and a two-time All-American and four-time All-ACC triple jumper at Florida State from 2002-05.

The award-winning news team at WKU Public Radio consists of Dan Modlin, Kevin Willis, Lisa Autry, and Joe Corcoran.
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