A celebrated athlete and godson of Olympic legend Carl Lewis has died aged just 26 after an unexplained incident in a car park.
Former National Collegiate Athletic Association star Cameron Burrell was credited as being the fastest college athlete in the US but suddenly passed away this week.
Announcing the sprinter's death on Tuesday University of Houston said it was 'devastated' by the sudden loss of the former student.
The university said in a statement: "We are devastated by the unexpected passing of alumnus Cameron Burrell.
"We offer our sincerest condolences and support to the Burrell family and all who knew him, including Cameron's many friends, coaches and teammates."
His godfather, Carl Lewis, was a legendary track star and nine-time Olympic gold medallist.
In a stunning career that spanned from 1979 to 1996, when he last won an Olympic event, Lewis took a gold medal in the same individual event in four consecutive Olympic Games.
He topped the world rankings in the 100m, 200m and long jump events from 1981 to the early 1990s and set world records before his retirement.
Paying tribute to Cameron Burrell on social media, Olympic athlete from the Bahamas and gold medal winner Chris 'Fireman' Brown said: "An Angel has gotten his wings. R.I.P Cameron Burrell.
"Sincerest condolences to the Burrell family. May the Lord grant you all peace and comfort during this difficult time."
His family said they were 'grief-stricken' and are now 'going through profound sorrow' after the tragedy.
In a statement reported by TMZ his dad Leroy said: "My family is extremely saddened with the loss of our son, Cameron, last night.
"We are going through profound sorrow and ask that all of our friends, extended University of Houston family and the track and field community in the U.S. and abroad allow us to gather with our closest family and friends.
"We are profoundly grief-stricken, and thank everyone for the outpouring of prayers and support. We will forward more information when it is available."
Friend of the family Mike Pedé offered condolences and said on Facebook : "I cannot imagine the pain they must be going through, but I draw on Leroy's undying positivity and we should all send some to this family know as they try to make some sense of Cameron's passing."
Confirmed details surrounding the untimely death are not yet known.
Medical records are said to indicate that he died in a parking lot garage but more details of the full circumstances of the tragedy have not been released.
Cameron came from a family of hugely successful athletes. His dad was a gold medallist at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics in the 4x100m relay and the former world record holder in the 100m. His mum also won track gold at the 1992 event.
He is survived by his father Leroy, mother Michelle Finn-Burrell and brothers Joshua and Jaden.
Funeral arrangements have not yet been released and are set to be announced.
