14 minutes ago: American track and field athlete, Sha’Carri Richardson died in a plane crash ……
*Published 14 minutes ago – June 23, 2025*
In a devastating and unexpected turn of events, American track and field sensation Sha’Carri Richardson has been confirmed dead following a private plane crash earlier today, according to early reports from federal aviation officials.
The incident occurred around 7:45 a.m. EST when the private aircraft carrying Richardson and two crew members went down near a remote area outside Flagstaff, Arizona. The cause of the crash is currently under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Richardson, who had just celebrated her 29th birthday this past March, was reportedly en route to a Nike-sponsored event in Los Angeles, where she was expected to speak about resilience, mental health, and the journey of returning to Olympic-level competition. Sources close to her team confirmed she boarded the chartered flight from Dallas late last night.
Eyewitnesses in the region reported hearing a loud boom followed by smoke rising from the forested area north of Flagstaff. Search and rescue crews responded quickly to the distress signal but found no survivors upon arrival. The identities of the two additional passengers aboard the plane have not yet been released, pending notification of families.
Sha’Carri Richardson rose to international fame in 2021 when she stunned the world with a 10.72-second 100-meter dash, making her one of the fastest women in history. Known for her electric speed, unapologetic confidence, and vibrant hair, Richardson became a cultural icon, especially among young Black women and aspiring athletes.
However, her journey was not without controversy. Later in 2021, she faced suspension after testing positive for marijuana, igniting a global conversation around mental health, grief, and the scrutiny athletes face. In the years that followed, Richardson returned to competition with renewed purpose, eventually winning gold in the 100m at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest — a moment widely regarded as the crowning achievement of her comeback.
Tributes from fellow athletes, celebrities, and fans have flooded social media in the moments following the news. Olympic gold medalist Allyson Felix posted on X (formerly Twitter), “I am heartbroken beyond words. Sha’Carri was more than a competitor — she was a force, a voice, a light. Rest easy, queen.”
Nike also issued a brief statement: “We are devastated to hear about the passing of Sha’Carri Richardson. She was a member of the Nike family, a fierce competitor, and an inspiration to millions. Our thoughts are with her family and all who loved her.”
At the time of her death, Richardson had been training for what she hoped would be her final Olympic run at the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles. In recent interviews, she had spoken about finding peace, rediscovering her love for the sport, and mentoring young athletes coming up behind her.
The NTSB has stated that a preliminary report on the crash is expected within the next 10 days. In the meantime, the world mourns the loss of a once-in-a-generation talent, taken far too soon.