JAMAICA, NY --- (www.YORKATHLETICS.com) The York College family has suffered a tremendous loss.

Former men's cross country and track & field standout Donnell Hickson passed away July 20 as a result of a tragic automobile crash in Pennsylvania that also claimed the lives of his son, Decir, and daughter.  He was 43 years old.

Hickson majored in liberal arts at York, where he was a member of the men's cross country, and indoor and outdoor track & field teams from 2003-05.  Known as an all around runner, Hickson competed in the 4x100 relays, 200-meter dash and the 800-meter run as well as the triple jump and other field events. 

In 2005, Hickson garnered All-American status after competing at the NCAA Division III Indoor Championships.  Hickson made his mark in the triple jump to finish seventh overall with a performance of 14.29 meters.  Prior to showing out at the NCAA Championships, Hickson won the triple jump event at the 2005 ECAC Indoor Championships with a leap of 14.06 meters.
At the 2005 CUNYAC Indoor Championships, Hickson contributed to a title for York by winning the triple jump with a distance of 14.44 meters (program record). Today, Hickson's CUNYAC Championship winning performance ranks second in the league's record book. Then, at the 2005 CUNYAC Outdoor Championships, Hickson captured the gold in the triple jump with a distance of 14.23 meters to help York secure the championship.

As a 1999 graduate of Lawrence High School, the two-time CUNYAC All-Star ran winter and spring track and also played football for four years. In his senior year at Lawrence, Hickson competed in national championships in North Carolina and was an all-state triple jumper.

Celebrate a life well lived:

• Friday, August 2
  • Candlelight and Balloon Release
  • Steel Horse Club House 
  • 740 East 98th Street, Brooklyn, NY
  • Gathering: 9 PM, Balloon Release: 11 PM  
• Sunday, August 4
  • Viewing from 5-6 PM followed by the Service  
  • Dabar Bethlehem Cathedral . Jerome's Roman Catholic Church
  • 218-38 98th Avenue, Queens Village, NY Newkirk Avenue, Brooklyn, NY

Reflecting on a legend who impacted countless members of the York College community and beyond:

Martinique Byrd-Tate (Mother to Decir Hickson and close friend of Donnell Hickson for over 20 years)

"We met at Long Island University in the fall of 2004 where I pledged under Donnell as a little sister (Rho Rhose) of Sigma Phi Rho Fraternity. Donnell was a kind hearted individual. He always filled the room with laughter and smiles.  His smile could light up any room. Throughout these years we always were there for one another and have had an excellent co-parenting relationship  of our son.  Donnell was so proud of Decir and his many accomplishments our son was set to start Cheyney University this fall majoring in Liberal Arts with a minor in Graphic Art."

Lakeisha Barron-Williams (Mother to Donnell's daughter)

"Donnell took life in stride. He wouldn't let anything get him down for long. He was a hard worker who loved his kids. He loved his family and friends and would steal the spotlight of any room he entered. No matter the situation, he always managed to crack me up. I love him and will miss our stupid lil inside jokes and our spontaneous songs we would make up on the spot. I'm going to miss watching him, Kyla and Decir's play fights. The house went from so much life...to just me, quietly with my memories of all of them."

Sharde Latiffa Wheelings (Donnell's sister)

"Donnell, gasa, dblock was a outstanding son, brother, father and friend he never gave up on anything or anyone in time of need and or darkness he offered hope, encouragement, kindness and compassion will truly be missed but never forgotten. In the words of Donnell "You better do it get it done."

Michael Brown '08, Co-Captain Men's Cross Country, Track & Field

"Donnell Hickson was a teammate, a brother, my other half. We've been through so much together, shared the same struggles and never gave up but as equal as we were, he was one of my many valued role models in my life. He would always put me in my place, when I needed encouragement, or when I was messing up. He also taught me to value people in life whether they were good and bad. He also taught me to control my kindness and learn not to put too much of yourself out there. He also broke down the dynamics about learning to love yourself with your imperfections, and not letting anyone's judgments overshadow where you're destined to be in life. I'm thankful for the motorcycle rides, the championships we won, the history we accomplished together, the interviews together, the hate, the love and our teammates at York College.  To his underworldryderzmc family – much respect. To my friend – a good soul, a great father, mentor, high school rivalry (Transit Tech v. Lawrence H.S. – inside joke) gone to soon but never forgotten."

Pernell Duncan '08, Men's Cross Country, Track & Field

"Some of my memorable moments with Donnell Hickson is when we would go to meets and he would shout out his fraternity. Another one was seeing the determination on his face while preparing for our 4x4's. No matter how tired he was from the jumps, he always worked up the energy to put on his best racing performance for the team."

John McCollin '11, Men's Track & Field

"Donnell Hickson was a true friend, someone who brightened every room he walked in. Every day during track practice was a comical and memorable moment with Donnell. He was truly a one of a kind person that will be sorely missed."

Priscilla Daniels-Myrick, Women's Track & Field (2005-06)

Whenever D was around, it was always a good time talking about bike events and track meets and what events Pope forced us in for points.

Sean McCants '07, Men's Basketball

"No matter how you were doing, you could never have a bad day or be sad around D because he was always going to make you laugh. He was the definition of laughter can heal all pain."

AMA Kirnon, Cross Country, Track & Field ( 2003-04)

"Donnell was always a positive person and had a sense of humor." 

Darius Adams '08, Men's Track & Field

"We can go on and on and on about Donnell aka gasa aka d block, etc.  Donnell was hilarious, athletic, hard working, loving, selfless, fearless and above all an amazing person with great character and integrity. D lit up a room everywhere he went. Donnell never needed a hype man, he was the life of the party in any situation. The sadness I feel at this time is overbearing but I know he would want me to suck it up and be strong so that's what I want to do for my cousin. Continue to push on and be strong like him. Love you family ❤"

James Waite '07, Men's Cross Country, Track & Field

"Donnell was a person with pure and true intentions. He always wanted everyone around him to do and try their best. Donnell was a hard worker and a perfectionist in his craft of the triple jump. Brother you will truly be missed."

Mechelle Barnwell, CCNY Women's Cross Country, Track & Field (2005)

"Those track days!! TOGETHER we made history in CUNY track and field.  This is the loss of an incredible life. Sending my deepest sympathies to the family of Donnell Hickson. I pray that god will comfort and strengthen them in the day ahead."

Lisa Walters, Team Manager (2001-05)

When I heard of your passing I couldn't believe it.  When I heard of the way you passed I was stunned.  When I heard of you being with your kids I was blown away. No one deserves to have their lives cut short but definitely not you.  I will always remember you as the amazingly sweet and nice and caring person that you are.  May your soul and the soul of your family be at peace in heaven because I KNOW THAT'S WHERE YOU ARE.

Bud McQuillan, Lawrence High School Track & Field Head Coach

"I am very sorry to say that we lost one of the Lawrence HS great track stars yesterday, to a car accident, Donnell Hickson.  He was a guy that would do anything for anyone.  He always had a smile from ear to ear.  As far as track, he would do any event, he used to  say to me, whatever events you need me to do, I'll do.  He was a hell of a 400 runner and an even better jumper.  He was a one of the best triple jumpers on Long Island and became an All NY State jumper his senior year and competed in Nationals down in Carolina.  Years later, Donnell used to come back to Lawrence to help me, as well as our young jumpers, teaching them the skills needed to be successful.  As good as a track athlete as Donnell was, he was even a better person.  Donnell was Lawrence Track Royalty.  The class of 1999 lost a superstar in my eyes.  Here is a picture of Dimitri Drouillard, Donnell Hickson and myself.  The second picture is of Leonard McKenzie, Donnell and Kc Pruitt.  Give Desmond Kelly a hug up in heaven.  You always made me proud!  You will be missed by everyone that was lucky enough to know you. Cheri Mofson Donnelly McQuillan and I were lucky to have coached you.  I hope you know that I loved you and I will miss you!  You will never be forgotten.  RIP my friend."

Sparkle, UnderWorld Ryderz MC (Founder and Former President)

"He was definitely a genuine gentleman. His energy was always a positive vibe. He never left anyone out of a conversation or a joke. He was the kind of person that if his song came on and he felt like dancing, he was gonna do it whether someone or no one was on the dance floor. He was a party of one person, if needed to be.  Always very helpful and thoughtful. An awesome/skilled rider with the ability, they make it look so easy. He's definitely the epitome of what a Gemini is, which I am also loving, kind and thoughtful, and that's exactly what he was. Quote of Donnell: I'm down. Let's go, but let me talk to Keish first. But I'm going. But I gotta be back to make it in time for work." Lol

Jason "Brutha J." Anderson (Costco Tire Center Supervisor/Co-Worker)

"Not only did I know Donnell Gasa Hickson personally, but I also worked with him for years. The same way he was outside of work, he was inside work!  He was always a hard worker and still the life at work! He was a hell of a supervisor!! He made guys want to work; and still had your back!"

Kevin Brown (Sigma Phi Rho Fraternity Interim President) 

"With the heaviest of hearts, the Proud Brothers of Sigma Phi Rho Fraternity inc. mourn the loss of a powerful Rhoman, an amazing brother and a loving father. Rest in Power Dear Brother."

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