Lockhart, 20, a junior psychology major from Vaiden, was a member of the gold medal-winning U.S. 4x400 relay team in the 2006 World Junior Championships in Beijing.
Oxford police were called to Lockhart's apartment about 10 a.m. Saturday after a 911 call from a man who found the runner lying on the floor. Lockhart was pronounced dead at the scene by Lafayette County Coroner Lonnie Weaver, according to a news release by Oxford Police Chief Mike Martin.
``This is an unbelievable thing, and I'm having difficulty processing it,'' said Mississippi track coach Joe Walker.
Lockhart's death is being investigated as a homicide by the Oxford Police Department and the Mississippi Bureau of Investigations, Martin said.
At the 2006 SEC Outdoor Championships, Lockhart finished ninth in the 400 meters and was a member of the 4x400-meter relay team that finished eighth. At the 2006 SEC Indoor Championships, he finished eighth in the 400 meters and was a member of the 4x400-meter relay team that finished fifth.
Dean of Students Thomas J. ``Sparky'' Reardon and University Counseling Center Director Mark Showalter met with the team Saturday evening.
``We are deeply saddened by Rodney's death,'' Walker said. ``Our thoughts and prayers are with Rodney's family and friends.''
http://accesswdun.com/article/2007/9/85489