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U.S. track runner Torrin Lawrence dies in Georgia highway accident

U.S. track runner Torrin Lawrence dies in Georgia highway accident

Torrin Lawrence, a competitor for the United States and a former track star at the University of Georgia, died early Monday morning in an accident on a Georgia highway.

Lawrence had a tire blow out and his car was stopped in the center of three-lane Interstate 75 near Cordele, Ga. He had called 911, but before local police could arrive, a semi truck crashed into his car. Crisp County (Ga.) police said Lawrence was "caught up in the accident," but were uncertain of where he had been in relation to the car.

Most recently, Lawrence finished ninth in the 400m at the U.S. Outdoor Championships in late June. He had been part of the United States' gold medal-winning 4x400m relay team at the IAAF World Relays in Nassau in May.

At Georgia, Lawrence was a seven-time All-American and three-time SEC champion. He won the NCAA 400m championship in 2010.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends and everyone who knew him," USA Track & Field CEO Max Siegel said. "Torrin represented USATF with pride and passion, and had an incredible future ahead of him. We join those who will miss him deeply."

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Jay Busbee is a writer for Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at jay.busbee@yahoo.com or find him on Facebook or on Twitter.