Roy Hughes, a high school track star, died unexpectedly in his home on August 8. He was supposed to begin his senior year of high school four days later on August 12.
When police arrived at the scene at around noon local time, they discovered the 17-year-old Dallas native, a Lincoln High School student, unconscious in his home, according to Fox 4 News.
Virginia Mosley, Hughes’ mother, told the source that her son had gone to practice earlier and that he fell asleep and never woke up when he got home.
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According to reports, Hughes was declared dead by Dallas Fire-Rescue when they arrived at the teen’s residency. The Dallas Morning News reports that an autopsy is being undertaken to identify the cause of Hughes’ death.
Hughes’ older brother, Timad Cotton, told FOX 4, “He was always a good person, had a good heart for everybody.”
Cotton also told NBCDFW, “I feel like he was there with us. My brother was just a joy to the room.”
Timmy Williams, Hughes’ other brother, also spoke to Fox4.
“I just wanna say, grateful for what he did and thankful for what he did, he’s gonna push us forward all the way through now,” said Williams.
The siblings told NBCDFW that Hughes was one of six children—four boys and two girls. The family described their brother as a star on and off the field, as well as an all-around student athlete.
The family said that Hughes visited a doctor last week. It’s unclear why, but it went on for the remainder of the week .
“My sister was there that night. He had just came in for practice. He came in, he ate, he went to his room, just shut the door,” explained Timmy.
According to him, that occurred on Thursday evening, and his mother discovered Hughes unconscious on Friday morning.
“The doctor’s called, so that’s what made my mama go to the room. She would knock on the door, he won’t answer, so she had to open the door, she kicked the door,” explained Williams.
It is unclear whether he has any past medical issues. Hughes was honored with a balloon release at Lincoln High School on Sunday, August 10. It was attended by the late teenager’s loved ones. To pay tribute to him, coaches, family, and friends ran a lap around the track where he frequently practiced.
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While the event was going on, Cotton and his brothers donned Hughes’ track and field medals around their necks.
Lincoln High School also posted a tribute to the star student-athlete after his death on social media, describing him as a “true model” and “a respectful young man with a heart of gold.”
“We mourn the loss and honor the life and legacy of Legendary Roy Lee Hughes-a true MODEL who Defied the Odds and Defined Excellence. A respectful young man with a heart of gold, he became a state champion through discipline, humility & an unshakable commitment to his team & school,” the X post read.
Hughes excelled as a track star and won a state championship. In 2025, he won the 4A state 300 hurdles championship in 36.58 seconds. He was also selected for the all-area track team this year by The Dallas Morning News.
Cotton expressed, “Now that he’s not here, I’m hurt. I’m hurt. I’m hurt because the last words I told him was, ‘I love you,’ ‘and he said, ‘ I love you back,’ and I told him I was going to see him next week. Just don’t take life for granted, you know? Cherish every morning with your family. Tell everybody you love them and every day hug your mama, every day. Don’t never let nobody tell you what you can’t do. Everything can be done and everything is possible.”
Williams added, “Because that goes to show you, a kid that didn’t smoke and didn’t drink, don’t do nothing, fight or nothing, anything can happen any possible time,” said Williams. So just cherish everybody and love your family. Love your family always.”
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