Drugs cheat Olympic sprinter discovered dead

The disgraced athlete was discovered in his car early yesterday morning. Authorities are unsure at this stage whether his death was an accident or suicide.

Pettigrew was reported missing by his wife and found by two friends who had been retracing his route between his home and the North Carolina University where he worked.

A post-mortem examination is yet to take place.

Pettigrew won the 400 metre world title in Tokyo in 1991 and was part of the 400 metre relay team that won the gold medal at Sydney Olympics in 2000.

Pettigrew said he had used a human growth hormone and an oxygen-boosting drug known as EPO.

The former Olympian has worked for four years as a university assistant coach.