FORMER TRACK & FIELD ATHLETE, JONATHAN WHYTE-DIXON, PASSES AWAY

ALBANY, N.Y. – Former University at Albany men’s track & field athlete Jonathan Whyte-Dixon passed away on July 4. He was 25.

“Jonathan was a tremendous young man that always gave 100% of himself to the team, the University, and the community,” said Director of Track & Field and Cross Country Roberto Vives. “He always worked to be the best he could be and helped to make those around him better through his mentorship and teaching. He was a special human being who even skipped his own graduation to go to Haiti and teach students.”

Whyte-Dixon, a member of the UAlbany Class of 2016, specialized in distance running during his time as a member of the Great Danes’ track & field and cross country programs. In two seasons, he recorded personal bests of 16:43.65 in the 5,000m and 10:06.20 in the 3,000m steeplechase on the track, and 27:50.8 for 8K and 35:44.2 for 10K for cross country.

“Jonathan was a kind, gentle, and respectful young man,” said head cross country coach and distance coach Matt Jones. “He always had a smile on his face. Jonathan always gave his best effort in practice and competition. The world needs more people like Jonathan Whyte-Dixon.”

Whyte-Dixon graduated in 2016 with a degree in History and a minor in French, and recently earned his Master’s degree in Education, Leadership and Policy.

A service for Whyte-Dixon will be held on Thursday, July 12 at St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church in Brooklyn. Whyte-Dixon will be laid to rest on Friday.FORMER TRACK & FIELD ATHLETE, JONATHAN WHYTE-DIXON, PASSES AWAY