The world of Squash is struggling to come to terms with the sudden loss of one of its most distinguished international figureheads. Sergio Rodriguez Jaramillo, Founder and President of the PanAmerican Squash Federation (FPS), was shot dead while being driven in a car in his home city of Medellín, Colombia.
The Police in Medellin are offering 10 Million Colombian Pesos for tips that lead to the arrest of those behind the assassination. They further confirmed that they were unaware of any threats to Rodriguez’s life. City officials, including the Governor and Secretary of Medellin, have condemned and deeply regret the shooting of the city’s much-respected Sport leader.
The popular 52-year-old worked in the construction industry, but was totally immersed in sport. He was a key figure in the success and operations of the IX South American Games Medellín 2010, and was Mayor of the South American Games Village.
By 1996, Rodriguez was a member of the Executive of the Colombian Olympic Committee—and later became Treasurer. His work both in the Olympic movement and in Squash made him an internationally respected sports leader who was very much appreciated by his colleagues around the world.
Amongst the achievements of Sergio Rodriguez Jaramillo are:
- Founder of the Squash League of Antioquia
- Founder of the Colombian Squash Federation
- Founder of the Panamerican Squash Federation
- Chief de Mission of the Colombian Delegation to the Bolivarian Games in Ambato-Ecuador 2001
- Treasurer of the Colombian Delegations to the Centroamerican and Caribbean Games from 1997-2006
- Treasurer of the Colombian Delegations to the Panamerican Games in Winnipeg 1999 and Rio 2007
- Chief de Mission to the Colombian Delegation during the Panamerican Games 2003 in Santo Domingo
- Treasurer of the Colombian Delegation at the Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008 Olympic Games
- President of the Panamerican Squash Federation (from 2001)
- Regular Member of the Colombian Olympic Committee from 1998-2002
- Treasurer Colombian Olympic Committee 2003-2009
In lamenting the loss of Rodriguez, World Squash Federation President N Ramachandran said: “The untimely death of Sergio Rodriguez is a great shock and a terrible tragedy. First and foremost for his loved ones, but squash and sport in general has lost a great friend whose contribution has been enduring. He will be greatly missed.”
