Antonio Pettigrew DEAD: Olympic Gold Medalist Dies At 42

Antonio Pettigrew, a former sprinter who was stripped of a gold medal he won at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, was found dead on Tuesday. He was 42 years old.

According to the AP, his body was found in his car in Chatham County, North Carolina.

At the time of his death, Pettigrew worked as a track assistant at the University of North Carolina, the Charlotte Observer reports.

UNC athletic director Dick Baddour issued the following statement:

"Although we are still learning the circumstances, we are deeply saddened to learn of Antonio's death. I was particularly impressed with the relationships he established with his student-athletes and the pride he took in representing the University of North Carolina. Our deepest condolences go out to Antonio's family, particularly his wife and son."

Pettigrew won an Olympic gold medal in the 4x400 relay in 2000, but he was later stripped of the award after admitting to using performance-enhancing drugs.

More to come...