At just his teenage years, he captured the UIL 4A state title in the 300-meter hurdles, clocking an impressive 36.58 seconds, ranked among the top in the nation for his class. This was undefeated in finals races in the 300 hurdles. He even won district, area, and regional titles in the 110 hurdles. This was his second straight year to qualify for state in both hurdle races. The young star had shown talent as he carried the pride of his school and teammates. He was scheduled to begin his senior year on August 12 with new dreams, but destiny had its plans.

The track and field community sits in shock as 17-year-old Roy Hughes, a track star at his Texas high school, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Friday, August 8. The Dallas native, who was a student at Lincoln High School, was found unresponsive in his Texas-based residence after officers were called to the scene around noon local time, police reported. Hughes’ mother, Virginia Mosley, shared key details of the incident, saying that he had attended practice earlier that morning and came back home. But after that, he fell asleep and never woke up.

Lincoln High School took to its official X handle to pay tribute to the young talent. They wrote, “We mourn the loss and honor the life and legacy of Legendary Roy Lee Hughes-a true MODEL who Defied the Odds and Defined Excellence. A respectful young man with a heart of gold, he became a state champion through discipline humility & an unshakable commitment to his team & school.”

They also did a balloon on Sunday, Aug. 10, which was attended by friends and family of the late teen.

His family, friends, and coaches also took a lap around the track he constantly practiced on to honor his memory. Hughes’s older brother, Timad Cotton, shared, “I feel like he was there with us. My brother was just a joy to the room.”

The track and field community is sending its prayers. “Unimaginable. I grieve with the family & community for a life ending too soon! Rest in Peace young man. 💔”

This is a tough time for the Hughes family, and the track and field community stands by their side in mourning.

Track and field community mourns Hughes’ passing

The death of the track star had shaken the whole community. It has been heartbreaking to see a 17-year-old talent leave the world so soon. One user commented, “May you rest in peace, Roy Lee Hughes. Condolences to his family and loved ones.” Hughes was one of six children, four boys and two girls, according to the siblings. The family said their brother was a star on and off the field and an all-around student athlete.

Another fan commented, “He left this world too soon. My deepest condolences to his family, friends and community- his flame 🔥 was brief but burned bright and we should all aspire to live our lives as he did.” Indeed, saying your goodbyes to the world at 17 is just too soon and unfair. But he loved track and field, and that is what he did. He was a good hurdler. At state-level competition, Roy placed 5th in the 110-meter hurdles with a time of 14.26 seconds.

Meanwhile, one comment read, “RIHIPRoy I’m praying for your family I was here when the Ambulance arrived and pronounced you deceased God was ready for you to come home. Gone to soon 🕊🕊🕊🕊” Dallas police said officers responded to the 1800 block of West Mockingbird Lane just before noon that day and found Hughes unconscious. Dallas Fire-Rescue pronounced him dead at the scene. The cause of his death is yet to be determined.

“Our hearts and prayers go out to the Lincoln Community and every one who this young man touched,” shared another user. What could have been the moment of pride and joy to welcome their track star to his senior year in school turned into mourning.

We are in shock, and we can say: Rest in peace, Roy Hughes.