Douglas Kyle, a seasoned Olympian who represented Canada twice on the global front and the notable founder of the Calgary Marathon and Calgary Track and Field club, has tragically died at the age of 91. The distressing news of his demise was confirmed by Kyle’s family following a single-vehicle rollover incident that took place in the southeast region of the city on Sunday night.
The local law enforcement reported that a blue 2017 Chevrolet Spark veered off the road near the junction of 114 Avenue S.E. and 84 Street S.E. The narratives of the investigators depicted that the car moved towards the east, approaching a T-intersection on 114 Avenue, before it swerved off the road unexpectedly.
Following the mishap, Douglas Kyle was rushed to the hospital, battling what the paramedics defined as severe injuries, albeit not life-threatening. However, the influential figure didn’t survive and ultimately passed away in the hospital.
Currently, while law enforcement continues probing into the circumstances leading to the unfortunate death, preliminary findings have ruled out the role of drugs or alcohol in the collision.
Douglas Kyle left an indomitable legacy in the world of track-and-field, proudly representing Canada in the Olympic games. He showcased his athletic prowess during the 1956 Olympic Games held in Australia and again in 1960 in Rome, competing in the 5,000m and 10,000m races.
Robert, Kyle’s son, emotionally expressed his bereavement, stating the news of his father’s passing is still fresh and raw. He, along with his family, raced to the Foothills hospital only to find that his father had already breathed his last.
James, Douglas Kyle’s grandson, also shared his grief over the loss of his grandfather, reminiscing upon his commitment to making Calgary a better city. “We discovered that he was involved in so many different organizations that we’re still beginning to fathom,” James revealed. Both Robert and James shared a cherished tradition of participating in the CALTAF Father’s Day run with Doug Kyle, a memory they’ll deeply miss.
The legacy of Douglas Kyle extends beyond his athletic victories. Having founded the Calgary Marathon in 1963, where he competed and secured the first place, he left an indelible mark on the running community. The marathon started with only nineteen participants and now attracts over 10,000 runners, raising over a million dollars for charities annually.
Jon Bird, Interim Executive Director with Run Calgary and marathon host, mourned this considerable loss, opining, “Doug’s influence is profound on the community, where he shaped how to be a leader and make a difference.” The first shoes that Kyle wore during the initial race and his gold medal hold a pride of place in Run Calgary’s memorabilia.
The Calgary police have appealed to any witnesses or holders of dash-cam footage from the collision site to come forward to aid with the ongoing investigation.
