Runner dies at just 28 years old! Great sadness for "friend to many"
Brighton (United Kingdom) - The athletics world mourns the loss of Robbie Fitzgibbon!
The former Irish-British middle-distance runner passed away unexpectedly at the age of just 28, his club Brighton Phoenix reported yesterday evening.
"It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of one of our most treasured athletes, Robbie Fitzgibbon," reads the official statement.
The athlete died last Monday. However, his death has only now been made public.
"Robbie was a friend to many and a source of motivation to all who had the privilege of knowing him. He was the epitome of a runner and embodied everything we value at Phoenix."
No further details on the cause of death are known and his club did not provide any further details.
"We lived and trained together for years, sharing countless kilometers around the world, from sunny training sessions in Kenya to wet and windy descents in the mountains. You were a real fighter who always gave your best. How else can you make it to a European final? Rest up, buddy. You will never be forgotten," says training partner Charlie Grice in memory of his dead friend.
Ex-athlete Robbie Fitzgibbon dies aged just 28
Earlier this year, Fitzgibbon revealed that he had been diagnosed with a mental illness in 2022.
In 2008, he completed his first race at the age of just twelve, and two years later he won the English schools' 1500-meter title. In 2015, he secured fifth place at the U20 European Championships. In 2019, Fitzgibbon made his last international appearance - at the preliminary heats of the European Indoor Championships in Glasgow, Scotland.
"Robbie had been preparing to run the Brighton Marathon 2025 in aid of the charity Mind," said the young Briton, who plans to compete again next year. His father Robin will now run in his place.