South African police have opened up a murder investigation following the discovery of former high jump world champion Jacques Freitag’s body.
Freitag, who won the 2003 world title in Paris before competing at the Olympic Games in Athens the following year, went missing in mid-June. Police revealed having found his body near a cemetery in Pretoria on Wednesday, with the 42-year-old apparently shot.
“South African police have confirmed to ESPN that the body of former Olympian and high jump world champion Jacques Freitag has been found, and that a murder case has been opened, after he went missing last month,” ESPN reported on Thursday.
No arrests have been made so far, but the authorities have launched a homicide probe following the discovery of his corpse.
The Associated Press reported that the body hadn’t been identified by family members as of Wednesday. However, SA Police Service Brigadier Brenda Muridili told ESPN, “The family have identified the body as his” on Thursday.
“I can confirm that a missing person’s case in Hercules has been changed to a case of murder,” she added. “No one has been arrested yet but the police are following up on leads.”
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Jacques Freitag Struggled With Drug Addiction
According to Jacque Freitag’s sister, Chrissie Lewis, the former Olympian disappeared on June 17 after leaving his mother’s house. Lewis had asked for help finding her missing brother on social media.
She also said he struggled with drug addiction after his career ended.
Freitag was in rare company as he was one of a few athletes to win world titles at youth, junior, and senior level.
TPS extends condolences to Freitag’s family, friends, and loved ones.
Rest In Peace, Jacques Freitag – 1982-2024.
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