PanAm Squash Chief Shooting Mystery
The world of Squash is struggling to come to terms with the sudden loss of one of its most distinguished international figureheads.
Sergio Rodriguez Jaramillo, Founder and President of the PanAmerican Squash Federation (FPS), was shot dead while being driven in a car in his home city of Medellín, Colombia.
The Police in Medellin are offering 10 Million Colombian Pesos for tips that lead to the arrest of those behind the assassination. They further confirmed that they were unaware of any threats to Rodriguez’s life.
Medellin City Hall officials have condemned and deeply regret the shooting of the city’s much-respected Sport leader.
Both the Secretary of the Medellin Government and Alonso Salazar Jaramillo, the Mayor of Medellin, have condemned the event and have guaranteed efforts to find the perpetrators of this crime.
The popular 52-year-old worked in the construction industry, but was totally immersed in sport. He was a key figure in the success and operations of the IX Southamerican Games Medellín 2010, and was Mayor of the Southamerican Games Village.
Alicia Eugenia Vargas Restrepo, Director of the IX Southamerican Games, regrets the loss of a person so well-liked in the sports world – whom she describes as a “marvellous man”.
By 1996, Rodriguez was a member of the Executive of the Colombian Olympic Committee – and later became Treasurer. His work both in the Olympic movement and in Squash made him an internationally respected sports leader who was very much appreciated by his colleagues around the world.
Amongst the achievements of Sergio Rodriguez Jaramillo are:
Founder of the Squash League of Antioquia
Founder of the Colombian Squash Federation
Founder of the Panamerican Squash Federation
Chief de Mission of the Colombian Delegation to the Bolivarian Games in Ambato-Ecuador 2001
Treasurer of the Colombian Delegations to the Centroamerican and Caribbean Games from 1997-2006
Treasurer of the Colombian Delegations to the Panamerican Games in Winnipeg 1999 and Rio 2007
Chief de Mission to the Colombian Delegation during the Panamerican Games 2003 in Santo Domingo
Treasurer of the Colombian Delegation at the Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008 Olympic Games
President of the Panamerican Squash Federation (from 2001)
Regular Member of the Colombian Olympic Committee from 1998-2002
Treasurer Colombian Olympic Committee 2003-2009
In lamenting the loss of Rodriguez, World Squash Federation President N Ramachandran said: “The untimely death of Sergio Rodriguez is a great shock and a terrible tragedy. First and foremost for his loved ones, but squash and sport in general has lost a great friend whose contribution has been enduring. He will be greatly missed.”
The WSF has sent letters of condolence to Sergio Rodriguez Jaramillo’s wife Marta Luz Vega, and his children Marcela, Federico and Martin. His untimely loss to his family, friends and sport, is a shocking tragedy.
In an earlier release, the WSF reported:
It is with great sadness that we must report that Sergio Rodriguez Jaramillo, President of the PanAmerican Squash Federation (FPS), died following an attack in his home city of Medellín, Colombia.
In addition to being FPS President since 1997, he served for many years as treasurer of the Colombian Olympic Committee and held several other related positions.
Upon hearing the news, WSF President N Ramachandran said: “The untimely death of Sergio Rodriguez is a great shock and a terrible tragedy. First and foremost for his loved ones, but squash and sport in general has lost a great friend whose contribution has been enduring. He will be greatly missed.”
Our thoughts are with his wife Marta Luz Vega and his children.
