In a tragic turn of events on a Sunday afternoon in Bessemer, Alabama, former Olympic sprinter Emmit King’s life was cut short in a violent exchange of gunfire. The 62-year-old male was fatally wounded on November 28, 2021, following a heated argument with another man, Willie Albert Wells, who was 60 years old. Both men, who were known to each other, died from the injuries they sustained in the shootout.
The confrontation occurred around 3:40 p.m. outside a residence in Bessemer.
What began as a verbal dispute quickly and fatally escalated when both King and Wells brandished firearms and shot at one another. Wells was pronounced dead at the scene of the incident. King was transported to UAB Medical West hospital, where he succumbed to his wounds and was pronounced dead at 4:40 p.m.
At the time of the incident, authorities had not released details regarding the nature of the argument that led to the deadly shootout. The investigation into the deaths of both men was ongoing. Because both individuals involved in the altercation were deceased, there were no arrests made in connection with the shootings. Early reports mentioned that police were questioning a woman who was present, but no further information was released about her involvement or if any charges were pursued.
Emmit King was a celebrated athlete, having been a standout sprinter for the University of Alabama where he won an NCAA national championship in the 100-meter dash in 1983. In that same year, he earned a bronze medal in the 100 meters at the inaugural World Championships. He was also a member of the gold medal-winning U.S. 4x100m relay team at those same championships and was a member of the U.S. Olympic relay teams in 1984 and 1988.
