By Christopher Hunt
Antonio Pettigrew, assistant coach at the University of North Carolina and former Olympian sprinter was found dead late Monday, according to a university spokesperson.
UNC assistant athletic director Matt Bowers confirmed that found Pettigrew dead in his car late last night.
Pettigrew, 42, was a member of the 4x400-meter relay that won gold in the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia. His entire relay was stripped of the medals two years ago after Pettigrew admitted in federal court to using human growth hormone and EPO between 1997-2001. The team won an appeal last month over the International Olympic Committee’s decision, which restored the medals to the relay that included Michael Johnson, Alvin and Calvin Harrison and Angelo Taylor.
"Although we are still learning the circumstances, we are deeply saddened to learn of Antonio's death," athletic director Dick Baddour released in a statement. "I was particuarly impressed with the relationships he established it his student athletes and the pride in took in representing the University of North Carolina. Our deepest condolences go out to his wife and son."
The former St. Augustine’s star coached sprints for the Tar Heels for the past four years. He is survived by his wife Cassandra and his son Antonio Pettigrew, Jr.