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Former Alabama track star, Olympian killed in shootout

Former Track Star Killed
Posted at 11:12 AM, Nov 30, 2021
and last updated 2021-11-30 12:12:58-05

BESSEMER, Ala. (AP) — Authorities say a former University of Alabama track star and Olympian was killed in a shootout with another man.

AL.com reports that the Jefferson County Coroner's Office on Monday identified Emmit King and Willie Albert Wells as the two men who died after exchanging gunfire in Bessemer on Sunday.

The 62-year-old King was a sprinter and a member of the U.S. relay team for the Summer Olympics in 1984 and 1988, but he didn't compete.

He was the 1983 NCAA national champion in the 100 meters while he ran for Alabama.

According to the Associated Press, King also won the bronze in the 100 meters at the first World Championships in 1983.

Authorities said King and Wells knew each other and were arguing when they both pulled out guns and fired.

The AP reported that King died at the scene, and Wells was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.