Olympic hero Liz McColgan reveals husband’s sudden death in heartbreaking post
TRACK legend Liz McColgan has announced that her husband John Nuttall has tragically died in a heartbreaking social media post.
The Olympic hero, 59, revealed that John, 56, suddenly passed away after suffering a heart attack yesterday morning.
In a devastating post on Instagram, Liz paid tribute to John, hailing him as a “much-loved dad, son, brother and husband”.
She wrote this morning: “It is with great sadness and a heavy heart I write this.
“My husband John Nuttall died yesterday morning with a sudden heart attack.
“A much loved dad, son, brother and husband. For those that loved John our hearts are breaking”.
John married Olympic silver medal-winning runner Liz in 2014 and was also well-regarded in the athletics industry.
He was an English long-distance runner and scooped a Commonwealth bronze medal in the 500m race in Victoria, Canada, back in 1994.
John was also a UK Athletics Senior Institute Coach, where he lead on national strategy, training camps and international GB teams.
And he also brought up a family of runners and was the dad to his two kids from his previous marriage to runner Alison Wyeth.
His daughter Hannah Nuttall is an Olympic athlete who competes in middle-distance and cross-country running events.
And his son Luke Nuttall is a British Paralympic athlete who competes in the 1500m in the T46 classification.
John is also the step-dad of Scottish legend Eilish McColgan, Liz’s daughter four-time European Championships medallist from her previous marriage with Peter McColgan.
Tributes have poured in for John, who was currently coaching Qatar, across the sporting world after hearing of his sudden passing.
Qatari athlete Abubaker Haydar Abdalla wrote: “My condolences to his family and all.
“A mentor, coach and friend. RIP John Barry Nuttall.”
Triathlete Islam Sallam added: “Very sad day for the sports community in Doha.
“We lost, not just a friend, but a father figure that we always looked up to and went to for advice and support.
“Rest in peace, John. We will miss you. Our hearts are with you Liz”.
Glamour model Nell McAndrew said: “Oh my goodness Liz, this is heartbreaking. So sad. Thinking of you and your family. Lots of love”.
Others who had worked with John over the years flocked to the comments of Liz’s post to share their condolences.
One person posted: “We are so sorry to hear about John’s passing. Coach John will always be remembered for his kindness, his love for the job, and his understanding of how to motivate young athletes. What a loss”.
Another commented: “Oh my. No. I am so saddened and heartbroken for you and your families.
“John will always remain such a light and role model in my life. Sending hugs and thoughts Liz”.
Someone else shared: “We are so sorry for your family’s loss. What an amazing human he was. The community will surely miss his kindness and care”.
While a close one said: “I’m shocked! So very sorry to hear this Liz, he was an amazing man. Thoughts with you at this difficult time”.