The world of sports photography grieved the loss of Linda Gregory, 69, on September 8. Her passing was the tragic culmination of an accident on September 4, during a junior varsity football match where she was inadvertently hit by players.
The game that witnessed this heart-wrenching incident in Kansas was a contest between Wichita Northwest High School and Bishop Carroll High. The sorrowful news was conveyed to the public by Mel Gregory, Linda’s husband, through a Facebook announcement.
In light of the tragedy, a spokesperson from Wichita Northwest High School highlighted Linda’s invaluable services to the school, cementing her legacy as an integral part of their institution.
Football team coach, Steve Martin, shed light on the fateful event. Linda, engrossed in her craft, didn’t anticipate players unintentionally moving out of the playing area and colliding with her. She fell to the ground and hit her head on the concrete, suffering a concussion.
Immediately after the accident, Linda was taken to a nearby medical center. Over time, her health condition took a downturn. Through Facebook, Mel Gregory, who co-helmed a photography venture with her, continually updated the community about her deteriorating health, revealing distressing news about cerebral complications.
In the ensuing days, her bedside was a confluence of family, friends, and professional peers. The announcement of her departure came on Friday, and that evening, in a heartwarming gesture, Wichita Northwest High School dedicated their football game to her memory.
Seeing the community’s boundless support, Mel Gregory announced plans to initiate a foundation, aiming to support budding photographers through scholarships.
