Dominique Dawes shared a tragic update Saturday evening, confirming that her father-in-law, Leonard Thompson, has died. “We take comfort in knowing that he is now with our Lord and Savior,” Dawes wrote. “Thank you all for the prayers and support during this very difficult time. Our last moment with him was accompanying him at mass and giving him a hug and my husband and I said, ‘Get home safely’… Rest in Peace, Papa T.”
Olympic gold medalist and Montgomery County native Dominique Dawes is asking the public for help locating her missing father in law, Leonard Thompson, who has been missing since earlier this week.
Dawes shared a video on social media Saturday morning urging people to be on the lookout for Thompson and to share the information as widely as possible. The post included details from Virginia State Police, who have issued a Critically Missing Adult Alert.
Leonard Hugh Thompson is 79 years old, 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighs approximately 160 pounds, and has white hair and blue eyes. He wears glasses. Authorities say he may be disoriented and confused due to a possible health episode.
According to the alert, Thompson was last seen on Tuesday evening, December 15, around 7:30 pm on Elden Street in Herndon, Virginia. His vehicle was later found abandoned in Roanoke. Law enforcement believes he may have been picked up by a truck and was traveling south on Interstate 81. He is believed to possibly be on foot in the Roanoke area, including near Troutville and Salem.
On Friday, Dawes shared an urgent message expanding the search area and again asking for the public’s help:
“PLEASE HELP! My father-in-law is still missing. He was last seen early Tuesday morning. We are now expanding the search to focus on Salem, Va. If you know anyone in the Salem vicinity, please copy and share and tell them to approach him and call 911 immediately if they’ve seen any sign of Leonard Thompson. He is more than likely disoriented and confused due to a health episode. Thank you so very much! PLEASE SHARE THIS POST!!!”
Virginia State Police say the disappearance poses a credible threat to Thompson’s health and safety. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Herndon Police Department’s 24/7 dispatch at 703-435-6846. If Thompson is seen, authorities say to call 911 immediately.
Dawes and her family continue to ask for prayers, shares, and any information that could help bring Leonard Thompson home safely.
