Heartbreaking End to Search: Dominique Dawes' Father-in-Law Found Deceased After Going Missing

The gymnastics world, and indeed anyone following the story, has been struck by truly heartbreaking news. Olympic gold medalist Dominique Dawes and her family are navigating an unimaginable period of grief after her beloved father-in-law, Gary S. Thompson, was found deceased following a week-long search that gripped their community.

Mr. Thompson, a respected 74-year-old retired federal judge, had been reported missing on December 12, 2025. You can only imagine the anguish that must have settled over the family during those long, uncertain days. Dominique, married to his son Jeff Thompson, had herself posted a deeply personal plea on Instagram just days before the tragic discovery, sharing her family's distress and highlighting his battle with Alzheimer's – a condition that made his solo walks all the more concerning.

The search efforts, involving family, friends, and private investigators, sadly came to a devastating end on December 18, 2025. His body was discovered in a wooded area near a trail in Potomac, Maryland, specifically around the 10700 block of Muirfield Drive. Montgomery County Police later confirmed his identity, bringing a somber finality to the family's desperate hope.

Authorities are, of course, investigating the circumstances surrounding his passing. At this time, police have indicated that no foul play is suspected, which, while perhaps offering a small measure of clarity, doesn't diminish the profound sorrow. The details of how he came to be in that secluded area remain part of an ongoing inquiry.

Gary S. Thompson was so much more than just a missing person; he was a vibrant individual with a remarkable life. Beyond his distinguished career as a federal judge, he was also a former college athlete, having played basketball at Yale. His legacy undoubtedly touches many lives, and his loss is keenly felt by his family and all who knew him. For Dominique, a pivotal member of the iconic "Magnificent Seven" who secured team gold at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, this is a profoundly personal tragedy, reminding us that even public figures face very private battles. Our thoughts are certainly with the entire Thompson family during this incredibly difficult time.