Body of Missing 79-Year-Old Herndon Man Discovered

Key Takeaways:

• A 79-year-old man from Herndon, Virginia, named Leonard Hugh Thompson, was found dead on Saturday after being missing since Monday.
• Thompson’s body was discovered in Troutville, and the cause and manner of death have not been released by the authorities.
• He was the father-in-law of Olympic gold medalist Dominique Dawes, who expressed her gratitude for the support and prayers during this difficult time.
• Thompson’s car was found abandoned on Interstate 81 with a flat tire and missing keys, and surveillance video showed him pumping gas at an Exxon station before his disappearance.

Introduction to the Incident
A tragic incident occurred in Herndon, Virginia, where a 79-year-old man, Leonard Hugh Thompson, went missing on Monday and was later found dead on Saturday. The news of his disappearance and subsequent death has sent shockwaves through the community, and an investigation is underway to determine the circumstances surrounding his death. Thompson’s family, including his son-in-law and Olympic gold medalist Dominique Dawes, have been left to grieve and come to terms with the loss of their loved one.

The Disappearance and Search Efforts
Thompson was last seen on Monday evening, when surveillance video captured him pumping gas at an Exxon station on Pacific Boulevard in Sterling. After this sighting, his car was found abandoned on Interstate 81 with a flat tire and missing keys. The authorities launched a search effort to locate Thompson, but unfortunately, his body was not discovered until Saturday in Troutville. The exact circumstances of his disappearance and death are still unclear, and the police have not released any information regarding the cause or manner of death.

Reaction from the Family
The news of Thompson’s death has been met with an outpouring of support and condolences from the community, including his family members. Dominique Dawes, Thompson’s daughter-in-law and a three-time Olympic gold medalist, took to social media to express her gratitude for the prayers and support during this difficult time. She shared a heartfelt message, recalling the last moment she spent with Thompson, accompanying him to mass and giving him a hug, and telling him to "get home safely." Dawes’ message highlights the close relationship she had with her father-in-law and the pain of losing him.

Investigation and Updates
The authorities are still investigating the circumstances surrounding Thompson’s death, and no further information has been released regarding the cause or manner of death. The police are urging anyone with information to come forward and assist in the investigation. As the investigation continues, the community remains in shock and is waiting for updates on the case. WTOP will provide the latest updates as more information becomes available.

Conclusion and Reflection
The death of Leonard Hugh Thompson is a tragic reminder of the unpredictability of life and the importance of cherishing every moment with loved ones. The outpouring of support from the community and the heartfelt message from Dominique Dawes highlight the impact Thompson had on those around him. As the investigation continues, it is essential to respect the privacy of the family and allow them to grieve during this difficult time. The community will continue to follow the updates on this case and offer their condolences to the family of Leonard Hugh Thompson.