Photo from @HokaLIMile on Twitter
Yesterday, the athletic community was met with the devastating news of David Torrence’s untimely passing. He was a fearless champion of athlete rights and an equally fearless runner. He “brought it” every time at distances from 800m to 5000m and was well-loved in all circles of our sport. Read below for memories, thoughts, and reactions from those he touched on and off the track.
I am absolutely broken hearing about @David_Torrence. One of the best humans I’ve ever met, I will miss him deeply.
— gabriele grunewald (@gg_runs) August 29, 2017
He was going to get after it like he always does cause he was fearless pic.twitter.com/g59APi1XMl
— Kyle Merber (@TheRealMerb) August 29, 2017
Such sad news. When I think of David Torrence he’s smiling, brightening a room, passionately chasing down dreams, being a force for goodRIP
— Molly Huddle (@MollyHuddle) August 29, 2017
from Heather Kampf on Facebook
I met David Torrence in Maui in 2011. A whole crew of us ran the Front Street Mile and then decided it would be fun to jump off a cliff afterwards. Apparently we were the adrenaline junkies of the group…most decided one jump was enough, but David and I wanted to go again, so we jumped together. Whenever I think of DT, I think of this guy- he wasn’t afraid to take risks, to work hard for what he wanted, to genuinely connect with people…to live life to the fullest. He’s accomplished more, inspired more, and touched lives of more people than many of us could hope to do in our lifetimes. I’m just so sad and sorry to learn that his time is done way too soon.
Praying for all who knew and loved him, especially his family in this tragic time.
My heart hurts.
RIP David. https://t.co/i5SoplbHV1— Jessica Tonn (@JessTonn) August 29, 2017
Incredibly saddened to hear about David Torrence’s passing. He was a genuinely good person, and a joy to be around. He will be missed.
— Melissa Gergel (@MelissaGergel) August 29, 2017
Gutted to hear of @David_Torrence‘s passing. Incredibly passionate and always willing to lend a hand to fellow runners. He will be missed.
— Kaitlin Goodman (@runnerKG) August 29, 2017
Sending love & life to all that met DT.
If you knew him, I know you feel it too.
Heartbroken.
RIP @David_Torrence .https://t.co/LUi2T7jgc0— Lauren Kleppin (@laurenkleppin) August 29, 2017
Woke up to some devastating news. One of the most genuine people I’ve met. Glad we were able to grab a run together last week. RIP David. pic.twitter.com/tTDMv85SQi
— Erik Sowinski (@eSowinski) August 29, 2017
David was a wonderful guy– his smile during opening ceremonies was brighter than the Rio sun pic.twitter.com/yhwfygXAb8
— Alexi Pappas (@AlexiPappas) August 29, 2017
David was the embodiment of the pursuit we all have loved so much, his tenacity was undeniable. The track world will miss him greatly.
— Jeff See (@jeffsee_) August 29, 2017
David ran
800- 1:45
1000- 2:16 (American Record) 1500- 3:33
Mile- 3:52.01
3000- 7:40
5k- 13:16
Legends live on. #DavidTorrence— Chad Noelle (@ChadNoelle) August 29, 2017
An incredible friend and a constant source of inspiration, passion, optimism and encouragement. We’ll miss you so much @David_Torrence pic.twitter.com/6Q6CvZm20y
— Curtis Beach (@curtis_beach) August 29, 2017
Absolutely gutted to hear this news. Leaving a mark on the T&F community that will not be forgotten. Thoughts and prayer to David’s family https://t.co/zgR0XGv9f8
— Stephanie (@stephschaps) August 29, 2017
Share your stories, keep him alive through fond memories, celebrate his life and a celebrate a fantastic human being #RIPDavidTorrence
— Casimir Loxsom (@cazzylox) August 29, 2017
Wow. Devastated. Get back from my run to see this. RIP @David_Torrence, the running world & everyone will miss you. Thanks for inspiring https://t.co/stspEcCePI
— Anthony Solis (@LordAnthonyJ) August 29, 2017
Devastated to hear about David Torrence. One of the nicest, most genuine people I’ve met in the sport. You will be missed https://t.co/ARhhtAKDtB
— Amanda Eccleston (@AmandaEcc) August 29, 2017
Such shocking and sad news. The running community lost a great competitor and person. https://t.co/zO6eg1yTXa
— Heather Wilson (@heathawilson) August 29, 2017
Heart is hurting for David’s family, friends, and the entire track community. David was such a dedicated and inspiring athlete! https://t.co/HDVX55uBDX
— Stephanie Garcia (@steph_steeples) August 29, 2017
Heartbroken is all I can say https://t.co/aDMpfy5Wgv
— Brandon Hudgins (@bhudgnasty) August 29, 2017
Gutted. Life is short, tell your loved ones how you feel daily. Please.
— Queen Harrison (@goQueengo) August 29, 2017
This breaks my heart.
David was/is a loved person in our sport. Nobody smiled as big as this guy! https://t.co/MBjNUDXrq2
— Craig Lutz (@Craig_Lutz) August 29, 2017
I don’t have any words right now. I had plans to see DT for lunch on Weds. Devastated.https://t.co/e44OWmfo3i
— Matt Llano (@MattLlano) August 29, 2017
In total shock to hear about David Torrence’s passing. Big loss to the running community, and the human community.
— lauren h. paquette (@HotPaquettes) August 29, 2017
What sad news about @David_Torrence ! Had the opportunity to room with him a few times on the circuit. Class act—all around! RIP Brother!
— (@ManteoMitchell) August 29, 2017
He was one of the toughest competitors and training partners always gave his all. He will be missed by all. https://t.co/vwZkoOaIPe
— Leo Manzano (@Leomanzano) August 29, 2017
David Torrence was an amazing training partner, a phenomenal runner, but most importantly, an incredible person. He will be greatly missed
— Chanelle Price (@CPriceRun7) August 29, 2017