Having won an All-Big 12 hurler and an All-American during his five years at the Baylor Bears, Jayson Baldridge breathed his last earlier this week. Originally from Richmond, Texas, outside of the Houston area, the late hurler was a part of Baylor’s 4x400m relay Big 12 title wins in 2019 and 2022. While the news has left the Baylor community in shock, it comes after a long and courageous battle for his life.

Per the Waco Tribune-Herald, the BU track star was battling with leukemia before the very disease took his life on Monday. In a heartfelt tribute, Baylor coach Michael Ford shared his grief while honoring the 26-year-old’s memory. “My deepest condolences for Jayson’s family and his wife,” Ford said.

“Jayson was an amazing young man, on and off the track. Everyone who knew him, loved him. He touched so many lives during his time at Baylor and beyond. I loved his big smile and his outgoing spirit. Baylor track and field and I will truly miss him, but he will be in our hearts forever.” Way before Baldridge won multiple titles at Baylor, the Richmond native had already made himself a name in his high school.

Baldridge made headlines at George Ranch High School as a two-time UIL state champion in the hurdles, junior and senior seasons in 5A and 6A. His junior year featured the nation’s fastest 300-meter hurdles time (36.32 seconds), and he followed that up in his senior season with a personal best, third-fastest in the nation at 36.08 seconds, as well as a state 4×400 relay title clocking 3:11.98 at Baylor.

Baldridge was an honors student, majoring in biology on a pre-med track. Son to Daniel Foster and Shari Baldridge-Foster, and brother to older sister Jaylin, he balanced athletics with academics in a way that hinted at long-term ambitions beyond track.

“You will be truly missed, loved your spirit and your big smile. You always be in my heart. Appreciate all you did for Baylor T&F and for me. Rest in Peace Jayson,” announced Baylor assistant coach Michael Ford on X on August 21, 2025.

On Thursday, the Baylor track team shared a loving message on their Instagram account, remembering Jayson Baldridge. “Our hearts and prayers go out to the family of former Baylor All-American Jayson Baldridge, gone far too soon at the age of 26 years old. Forever a Bear!”

And the wider community and the track and field world are also reacting…

“Gone way too soon”: Fans remember Baylor’s Jayson Baldridge

Jayson Baldridge’s demise has shaken the Baylor community and the wider track and field world. “Gone way too soon.” That short, raw statement summed up what so many were feeling in the wake of losing a 26-year-old young man who had barely begun to show the full measure of his promise. But beyond the brevity of grief, there was depth in the memories fans shared. When coach Ford shared the update on X, fans said the final goodbye to Baldridge.

“You will be truly missed, loved your spirit and your big smile. You always be in my heart. Appreciate all you did for Baylor T&F and for me. Rest in Peace Jayson,” Ford shared on X. Reacting to the tweet, some recalled how Baldridge wasn’t just a standout athlete but also a mentor and role model. One fan reflected, “Was a big fan of his. Bryce looked up to him, and I appreciated how much he looked out for Bryce. Rest in heaven.” Those aren’t words tossed casually; they carry the weight of lived experience, of a person who took the time to invest in others even while chasing his own dreams. Isn’t that the kind of legacy most athletes hope to leave behind?

Others kept it simple, letting emotion guide them. “We love you Jayson, you will be missed,” read another heartfelt message. Sometimes loss is best expressed in the most direct way possible. But what did the Baylor Track & Field family itself say in this difficult moment?

The program’s official account offered a statement that blended grief with gratitude. “Always a tough day when you lose one of your family. We mourn our loss while celebrating the time we got to share with Jayson Baldridge, forever a Bear.” Those words carried the unmistakable voice of a family saying goodbye to one of its own. Expectedly, fans beyond the Baylor circle also shared their grief.

Messages poured in. “Very sad news. Condolences to Jayson’s family and the Baylor Track and Field family.”

Another added, “Such a sweet kid with a big heart. Prayers for his family and the Baylor Track fam!” Each message painted the picture of a young man whose kindness resonated far beyond his lane assignments. Even coaches weren’t left out of the sympathy.

“My condolences Coach Mike and BUfamily and his extended family!”

And so, while the track itself falls silent in his absence, the echoes of Jayson’s impact live on in the voices of fans, teammates, and loved ones. The community mourns, yet at the same time, it celebrates a life that inspired many—even if it ended far too soon.

RIP Jayson Baldridge!