Devon Biggs had just finished his afternoon run and was waiting for the traffic light at a sidewalk intersection in Columbus, Ohio, last week when a driver who was trying to give her daughter a pacifier in the backseat, swerved off the road and jumped the curb, striking and killing the 15-year-old.
The crash report mentions that the car had faulty brakes and it has not yet been determined if the driver will face charges.
Family, friends, and the running community are mourning the young runner. In an interview with NBC4, Eastmoor Academy track and cross country coach Jason Lewis recalls nicknaming the Biggs the “fastest freshman,” and says he knew he was going to be great. “He was just a joy to coach,” he added.
Biggs competed in the 200 meters, 400 meters, and long jump, and had set several PRs during the current outdoor track season. He also ran on the cross country team last fall, according to his MileSplit profile.
In another news report, Biggs’ grandfather, Richard Biggs, said, “He was loved by everybody,” adding that he’d attended one of his grandson’s track meets at Ohio State University about two months ago, and “he was just like a brother to everybody he met down there.”
Biggs was a friend and teammate of the son of Malik Willoughby, the captain of the Black Men Run Columbus chapter. Willoughby wrote on Instagram:
“Condolences to Devon Biggs and the family and classmates. He was a well-respected young man who brought a smile and laughter to every room he entered. Devon was a trusted friend of my son and his track and cross country teammate at Eastmoor Academy HS. The world lost a joyful young man too soon."
CALL TO ACTION: Please be vigilant and mindful when driving, especially where OUR children are present. Innocent lives depend on it. Let's do our best to keep our communities safe for all. ✊🏽✌🏽”
This week, Devon’s teammates will compete in the Columbus City League track championships, running in his honor.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to support his family.
Abby Carney is a writer and journalist in New York. A former D1 college runner and current amateur track athlete, she's written about culture and characters in running and outdoor sports for Runner's World, Like the Wind Magazine, The New York Times, and other outlets. She also writes about things that have nothing to do with running, and was previously the editor of a food magazine.
