The track and field world woke up to some difficult news this week. Purdue University distance runner Finan Doyle was widely recognized as one of the most promising young athletes entering the collegiate circuit. He was a state qualifier in both cross country and track. He was also an Academic All-American swimmer and a national triathlon qualifier during his time at Ben Davis High School. Thanks to his multisport interests, Doyle’s future in NCAA athletics looked bright. But that trajectory came to a devastating halt when the 18-year-old had a fatal accident in Indiana.

According to the Indiana State Police, Doyle was riding northbound on US Highway 41 at a speed over 100 mph in the 55 mph zone. According to Indiana State Police, two Attica police officers later saw Doyle on the US Highway 41 southbound, where he sped past one of them and sideswiped the other’s vehicle. Later, at an intersection, he crashed into a Chevy Silverado and sustained fatal injuries that cost him his life.

In the aftermath of his passing, an American fan launched a GoFundMe page to raise funds and “help the Doyle family with the expenses of the devastating loss of their son.” Till now, around $11,314 has been raised (71%) out of the $16,000 target.

The GoFundMe page describes Finan Doyle as a dedicated student who loved running and swimming outside of school. He was quick to make friends and always had time for his close ones.

Mike Davidson, the head coach of the Ben Davis Trackmen, Doyle’s high school, took to X to write a heartfelt message: “A tragic loss for our Ben Davis Giant Track Family. 2025 BD graduate and outstanding person, student and distance runner Finan Doyle died in a motorcycle crash last night. This is a life cut way to short. All our love and prayers to the Doyle family during this difficult time.”

Furthermore, Purdue University, where Doyle was a freshman in aeronautical engineering, also issued a statement acknowledging the tragedy. A spokesperson from the university stated, “We are saddened any time we experience a student’s death and offer our condolences and support to his family, fellow students, friends and all who are affected.”

The university also reminded the community that Purdue Counseling and Psychological Services is available for students processing the loss.

A look at Finan Doyle’s time as a student-athlete

Before arriving at Purdue, Doyle stood out at Ben Davis High School for both academic rigor and multisport excellence. In 2024, he maintained a 4.67 GPA in his high school coursework and won IndyStar’s Student of the Week between November 11 and 15, 2024, among 12 students from Central Indiana. But his stance in track and field was the highlight.

At the Indoor MIC Championships in March 2025, he came in first in the DMR, clocking in at 11:00:03. He shone again in the Ben Davis vs Cathedral in April 2025, where he finished third in the 1600m race, 4th in the 800m, and 6th in the 4x400m relay. Clearly, he was a runner capable of mastering multiple track distances. In the 1600m run at the Ben Davis International in May 2025, he finished third again, with 4:35:88. In his last 1600m race, at the IHSAA Regional 5, he came in 10th at 4:29:75. 

Finan Doyle also swam competitively at Ben Davis High School, where he competed in events such as the 200-yard medley relay and 200 IM at the state-championship level. One record sheet from the 2022 IHSAA Boys Finals lists Doyle in the A-final for the 200 Yard Medley Relay and shows his name in the 200 Yard Individual Medley event. He excelled as an Academic All-American and All-State swimmer. Additionally, he was also an active member of the National Honor Society, known for his work ethic and character, both on and off the track. 

Born on April 18, 2007, Finan Doyle’s legacy, though short, was meaningful. His family planned his cremation at the Flanner Buchanan Cremation in Indianapolis.