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South African authorities have tragically confirmed the death of Jacques Freitag, former world high jump champion, whose body was discovered after he went missing last month. Local media reported that the 42-year-old athlete, renowned for his 2003 world title in Paris and participation in the 2004 Olympic Games, was found shot dead.
The discovery was made in a field near a cemetery in Pretoria, though formal identification by family members is still pending. Freitag’s family has chosen not to comment on the incident at this time.
His sister, Chrissie Lewis, had earlier appealed on social media for assistance in locating Freitag after he disappeared on June 17, following a visit to their mother’s home. Lewis shared that Freitag had faced challenges with drug addiction following the conclusion of his athletic career.
Freitag’s achievements in high jump marked him as part of an elite group of athletes who secured world titles across youth, junior, and senior levels. His sudden and tragic death has left the sports community and his loved ones mourning a loss that transcends his athletic legacy.
