VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Norfolk native and Olympic boxing gold medalist Pernell "Sweet Pea" Whitaker was hit and killed at a busy Virginia Beach intersection.
The crash took place on Sunday evening in the intersection of Northampton Boulevard and Baker Road. Responding officers said Whitaker, who was positively identified on Monday, was dead at the scene.
Whitaker's professional career spanned from 1984 to 2001. He won the gold in the 84 Olympics in the Lightweight category, and after retiring, he was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2006.
The community and celebrities are sharing heartfelt messages about the world-champion boxing legend.