Roosevelt Davis had his entire life in front of him. And to those who knew him, they understood his love of track and field was a huge part of his life.
Davis was an East St. Louis (IL) High graduate in 2016 and a former track star who had gone on to compete at Vincennes University for one semester before coming home to St. Louis to help take care of two daughters.
But on Saturday, his life was taken outside a gas station in Cahokia, Illinois, from multiple gun shot wounds. Davis, 21, was pronounced dead at the scene by authorities.
While track and field was only a smart part of Davis' life, it was the engine that drove him to succeed. According to reports, he had a full scholarship at Vincennes University before taking a leave to come home.
He left East St. Louis High with school records in the 200m (21.54) and 400m (47.54), and was a major contributor to the program over his high school career. He helped the Flyers win a Class 3A title on his final year on the track in 2016 and earned a runner-up place in the 200m during that time, along with efforts in the relays.
As a junior, he went to the Great Southwest Classic in Albuquerque in New Mexico and finished third in the 400m in a personal record 47.45 seconds. That same year, he placed third at the state championships at the distance.
An uncle of Davis', Earlest Johnson, told the Belleville News-Democrat that he was taken way too soon.
"He was so full of life," Johnson told the newspaper. "He didn't get a chance to be great in life, or learn from his mistakes."
One of Davis's former coaches said he began to mentor young athletes in the area.
Authorities are still investigating the case.
Our prayers go out to the Davis' family and the track and field community at East St. Louis High.
Related Links:
An interview with Davis in 2015 after racing at the UK High School Invitational
