Landis father-in-law (and friend/ex-roommate) commits suicide?
#1
Banned.
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: San Diego
Posts: 13,075
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Landis father-in-law (and friend/ex-roommate) commits suicide?
In the late 90's Floyd had an older friend/roommate whose girlfriend had a daughter, who Floyd met through this friend and eventually married. The friend also married his girlfriend (the mother of Floyd's wife), though I'm not sure which wedding was first. They were best men at each other's weddings. At any rate, this friend/roommate/father-in-law has apparently committed suicide!
https://www.signonsandiego.com/news/m...gnewsteam.html
Cyclist Landis' father-in-law dies
By Debbi Farr Baker
UNION-TRIBUNE BREAKING NEWS TEAM
1:46 p.m. August 16, 2006
SAN DIEGO – David Witt, the 57-year-old father-in-law of embattled Tour de France winner Floyd Landis has died, authorities said Wednesday.
Witt was found dead in his car Tuesday afternoon in a North Park parking garage, according to his friends.
An investigator with the San Diego County Medical Examiner's office confirmed Witt's death but said the cause was still under investigation.
San Diego police reported that a man had committed suicide Tuesday afternoon in a parking garage in North Park. The man was found at 3:14 p.m. and was taken to Mercy Hospital where he was pronounced dead, said San Diego police Detective Gary Hassen.
Witt and his wife Rose own Hawthorn's restaurant in North Park on 29th Street and University Avenue, where Landis memorabilia, including two of his jerseys and several magazine covers, adorn the walls.
Andres Banuelos, a chef for Witt for more than 18 years, confirmed Witt's death.
“He was very nice, a very happy man,” Banuelos said. “I really don't know what happened. It surprised me. I'm shocked.”
Witt and Landis first became friends when they used the same cycling coach and became roommates in 1998 shortly after Landis moved to San Diego.
The two later became related after Witt introduced Landis to his girlfriend Rose's daughter from a previous marriage, Amber Basile. The two couples married, and the former roommates were best men in each other's weddings.
In July, Witt and his wife went to France to watch Landis' victory at the ceremonial finish of the Tour de France on the Champs-Elysees.
Landis, who lives in Murrieta, has since tested positive for testosterone and his Tour victory is in jeopardy.
https://www.signonsandiego.com/news/m...gnewsteam.html
Cyclist Landis' father-in-law dies
By Debbi Farr Baker
UNION-TRIBUNE BREAKING NEWS TEAM
1:46 p.m. August 16, 2006
SAN DIEGO – David Witt, the 57-year-old father-in-law of embattled Tour de France winner Floyd Landis has died, authorities said Wednesday.
Witt was found dead in his car Tuesday afternoon in a North Park parking garage, according to his friends.
An investigator with the San Diego County Medical Examiner's office confirmed Witt's death but said the cause was still under investigation.
San Diego police reported that a man had committed suicide Tuesday afternoon in a parking garage in North Park. The man was found at 3:14 p.m. and was taken to Mercy Hospital where he was pronounced dead, said San Diego police Detective Gary Hassen.
Witt and his wife Rose own Hawthorn's restaurant in North Park on 29th Street and University Avenue, where Landis memorabilia, including two of his jerseys and several magazine covers, adorn the walls.
Andres Banuelos, a chef for Witt for more than 18 years, confirmed Witt's death.
“He was very nice, a very happy man,” Banuelos said. “I really don't know what happened. It surprised me. I'm shocked.”
Witt and Landis first became friends when they used the same cycling coach and became roommates in 1998 shortly after Landis moved to San Diego.
The two later became related after Witt introduced Landis to his girlfriend Rose's daughter from a previous marriage, Amber Basile. The two couples married, and the former roommates were best men in each other's weddings.
In July, Witt and his wife went to France to watch Landis' victory at the ceremonial finish of the Tour de France on the Champs-Elysees.
Landis, who lives in Murrieta, has since tested positive for testosterone and his Tour victory is in jeopardy.
Last edited by Helmet Head; 08-16-06 at 05:33 PM.
#2
Banned.
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: San Diego
Posts: 13,075
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
https://www.cyclingnews.com/news.php?...ug06/aug17news
Landis' father-in-law found dead
By Cyclingnews staff
Floyd Landis' father-in-law, David Witt, has been found dead in his car in a parking lot in North Park, San Diego. San Diego independent TV station KUSI reported that the 57 year-old died of a gunshot wound on Tuesday afternoon. He was found shortly after 3:00pm and was taken to Mercy Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The San Diego County Medical Examiner's office confirmed to Cyclingnews that David's body "is in our facility", and said that the autopsy would be completed today or tomorrow. The SDCME's office would not confirm the cause of death, however.
Witt was close friends with Landis, and introduced him to his daughter Amber, whom Landis married. David Witt and Floyd Landis were also best men at each other's weddings. Witt's restaurant in North Park - Hawthorn's - was filled with Floyd Landis jerseys, old cycling gloves, newspaper articles and other memorabilia, and he and his wife Rose watched Landis ride to victory on the Champs Elysées at the end of the Tour de France.
Although the Witts were upset by Landis positive tests for an abnormal testosterone level, it is not known whether the doping affair played a role in David Witt's apparent suicide.
"He isn't the type who would do this type of thing," David told the San Diego Union-Tribune in late July, when the news first broke of Landis' positive. "Landis has a special gift. His physical endurance is 'way off the charts'. How many other people could cover 900 miles in one week of training? We just want to get through this mess."
Cyclingnews extends its condolences to the family and friends of David Witt.
Landis' father-in-law found dead
By Cyclingnews staff
Floyd Landis' father-in-law, David Witt, has been found dead in his car in a parking lot in North Park, San Diego. San Diego independent TV station KUSI reported that the 57 year-old died of a gunshot wound on Tuesday afternoon. He was found shortly after 3:00pm and was taken to Mercy Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The San Diego County Medical Examiner's office confirmed to Cyclingnews that David's body "is in our facility", and said that the autopsy would be completed today or tomorrow. The SDCME's office would not confirm the cause of death, however.
Witt was close friends with Landis, and introduced him to his daughter Amber, whom Landis married. David Witt and Floyd Landis were also best men at each other's weddings. Witt's restaurant in North Park - Hawthorn's - was filled with Floyd Landis jerseys, old cycling gloves, newspaper articles and other memorabilia, and he and his wife Rose watched Landis ride to victory on the Champs Elysées at the end of the Tour de France.
Although the Witts were upset by Landis positive tests for an abnormal testosterone level, it is not known whether the doping affair played a role in David Witt's apparent suicide.
"He isn't the type who would do this type of thing," David told the San Diego Union-Tribune in late July, when the news first broke of Landis' positive. "Landis has a special gift. His physical endurance is 'way off the charts'. How many other people could cover 900 miles in one week of training? We just want to get through this mess."
Cyclingnews extends its condolences to the family and friends of David Witt.
#3
Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 27
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
My condolences to Floyd and his family.
Out of respect, I am going to leave the rest of this topic alone for what I hope will be obvious reasons.
Out of respect, I am going to leave the rest of this topic alone for what I hope will be obvious reasons.
#4
Banned.
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: San Diego
Posts: 13,075
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
https://www.kusi.com/home/3582171.html
Floyd Landis' Father-In-Law Found Dead in North Park
The father-in-law of Floyd Landis is dead, from an apparent self-inflicted gun shot wound. David Witt was found slumped over in his car in a parking garage in North Park. He was 57 years-old.
Witt lived in La Mesa and owned a restaurant in North Park named Hawthorns, where a lot of cycling memorabilia adorned the walls, much of it having to do with Landis.
Landis and Witt were best friends. They raced together, they were best men at each others weddings, and Witt introduced Landis to his step-daughter Amber, whom Landis went on to marry.
This sad news comes just days after the cycling team Landis was on announced they'd be shutting down at the end of the season. Phonak owner Andy Rihs said that he has been unable to find a buyer for his team since Landis, this year's Tour de France champion, was busted for doping.
Watch KUSI News at 6 p.m. for a full report on this story.
Floyd Landis' Father-In-Law Found Dead in North Park
The father-in-law of Floyd Landis is dead, from an apparent self-inflicted gun shot wound. David Witt was found slumped over in his car in a parking garage in North Park. He was 57 years-old.
Witt lived in La Mesa and owned a restaurant in North Park named Hawthorns, where a lot of cycling memorabilia adorned the walls, much of it having to do with Landis.
Landis and Witt were best friends. They raced together, they were best men at each others weddings, and Witt introduced Landis to his step-daughter Amber, whom Landis went on to marry.
This sad news comes just days after the cycling team Landis was on announced they'd be shutting down at the end of the season. Phonak owner Andy Rihs said that he has been unable to find a buyer for his team since Landis, this year's Tour de France champion, was busted for doping.
Watch KUSI News at 6 p.m. for a full report on this story.
#5
Banned.
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: San Diego
Posts: 13,075
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
From July 29, 2006.
https://www.signonsandiego.com/news/m...-7m29bell.html
The Landis connection
Tour de France winner Floyd Landis has a niche in North Park. Two of his cycling jerseys, his old cycling gloves, three magazine cover stories, newspaper articles and other memorabilia adorn the walls of Hawthorn's Restaurant in the North Park Theater complex on University Avenue.
He is the son-in-law of restaurant owners Rose and David Witt, who just returned from Paris, where they took Landis' toddler daughter to watch the ceremonial finish on the Champs-Elysées and to celebrate with her dad afterward.
David Witt first became friends with Landis in cycling circles when they used the same coach. Witt later introduced Landis to Rose and to his bride-to-be, Amber, Rose's daughter from a previous marriage.
The Witts are upset by allegations that surfaced Thursday suggesting that Landis may have used performance-enhancing substances (which he denies). Rose gives such talk no credibility, “knowing his character and the kind of athlete he is.” This was his dream, she says, and he wouldn't jeopardize it.
David calls Landis a tremendous athlete who is capable of having an outstanding comeback performance. He has seen such feats first-hand and knows Landis well. “He was my roommate. I was his best man at his wedding, and he was my best man at my wedding. He isn't the type who would do this type of thing.”
Landis has a special gift. His physical endurance is “way off the charts,” David says. How many other people could cover 900 miles in one week of training?
“We just want to get through this mess.”
https://www.signonsandiego.com/news/m...-7m29bell.html
The Landis connection
Tour de France winner Floyd Landis has a niche in North Park. Two of his cycling jerseys, his old cycling gloves, three magazine cover stories, newspaper articles and other memorabilia adorn the walls of Hawthorn's Restaurant in the North Park Theater complex on University Avenue.
He is the son-in-law of restaurant owners Rose and David Witt, who just returned from Paris, where they took Landis' toddler daughter to watch the ceremonial finish on the Champs-Elysées and to celebrate with her dad afterward.
David Witt first became friends with Landis in cycling circles when they used the same coach. Witt later introduced Landis to Rose and to his bride-to-be, Amber, Rose's daughter from a previous marriage.
The Witts are upset by allegations that surfaced Thursday suggesting that Landis may have used performance-enhancing substances (which he denies). Rose gives such talk no credibility, “knowing his character and the kind of athlete he is.” This was his dream, she says, and he wouldn't jeopardize it.
David calls Landis a tremendous athlete who is capable of having an outstanding comeback performance. He has seen such feats first-hand and knows Landis well. “He was my roommate. I was his best man at his wedding, and he was my best man at my wedding. He isn't the type who would do this type of thing.”
Landis has a special gift. His physical endurance is “way off the charts,” David says. How many other people could cover 900 miles in one week of training?
“We just want to get through this mess.”
#7
Member
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Palo Alto, CA
Posts: 29
Bikes: Mondonico
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Bacciagalupe
This seems like an inappropriate topic for a cycling forum. This ought to be a private matter for the Witt family.
#8
Banned.
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: San Diego
Posts: 13,075
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Bacciagalupe
This seems like an inappropriate topic for a cycling forum. This ought to be a private matter for the Witt family.
Inappropriate story to bring to the attention of forum members? I disagree.
The fact that the story was reported on cyclingnews.com confirms that this story is of interest to Tour de France fans.
That's the last comment I intend to make. However, as I find any other stories, I will post them here, and encourage others to do the same.
Those of you not interested... no one is forcing you to read this thread.
#9
hehe... member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Posts: 665
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Helmet Head
Inappropriate topic for discussion? I agree.
Inappropriate story to bring to the attention of forum members? I disagree.
Inappropriate story to bring to the attention of forum members? I disagree.
#10
ride, paint, ride
Originally Posted by Helmet Head
The fact that the story was reported on cyclingnews.com confirms that this story is of interest to Tour de France fans.
...
Those of you not interested... no one is forcing you to read this thread.
...
Those of you not interested... no one is forcing you to read this thread.
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,309
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Helmet Head
The fact that the story was reported on cyclingnews.com confirms that this story is of interest to Tour de France fans. .
That's just your opinion man. Whatever cyclingnews.com choose to print does not in any way mean that it is of interest to Tour de France fan. I am one, and don't think this is relevant to my interests in the tour.
What's next? Cyclingnews.com does a story on the personal life of Lance, his divorce, his new chicks and it automatically becomes relevant to us TdF fan because Cyclingnews decided to write and publish it ?! Lol.
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,250
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
7 Posts
For several weeks, much of America, and most of Bike Forums members, have been piling the most vile sort of abuse on Floyd Landis, based on unsubstantiated and unproven charges based on results from a lab notorious for its incompetence and lack of ethics. Now, someone very close to Landis has broken under the abuse.
And of course, some of the abusers will post in this thread to ask "What does this have to do with cycling?"
It is time to stop the abuse of Floyd Landis. Nobody, nobody should continue to use Bike Forums to post endless accusations and rumors, and rehashed garbage pilfired from Euro-trash newspapers directed at Floyd Landis. Step back. Wait for the actual evidence to be presented in an unbaised, neutral hearing. And, after Floyd is cleared, post your apologies.
And of course, some of the abusers will post in this thread to ask "What does this have to do with cycling?"
It is time to stop the abuse of Floyd Landis. Nobody, nobody should continue to use Bike Forums to post endless accusations and rumors, and rehashed garbage pilfired from Euro-trash newspapers directed at Floyd Landis. Step back. Wait for the actual evidence to be presented in an unbaised, neutral hearing. And, after Floyd is cleared, post your apologies.
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,309
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by alanbikehouston
For several weeks, much of America, and most of Bike Forums members, have been piling the most vile sort of abuse on Floyd Landis, based on unsubstantiated and unproven charges based on results from a lab notorious for its incompetence and lack of ethics. Now, someone very close to Landis has broken under the abuse.
And of course, some of the abusers will post in this thread to ask "What does this have to do with cycling?"
It is time to stop the abuse of Floyd Landis. Nobody, nobody should continue to use Bike Forums to post endless accusations and rumors, and rehashed garbage pilfired from Euro-trash newspapers directed at Floyd Landis. Step back. Wait for the actual evidence to be presented in an unbaised, neutral hearing. And, after Floyd is cleared, post your apologies.
And of course, some of the abusers will post in this thread to ask "What does this have to do with cycling?"
It is time to stop the abuse of Floyd Landis. Nobody, nobody should continue to use Bike Forums to post endless accusations and rumors, and rehashed garbage pilfired from Euro-trash newspapers directed at Floyd Landis. Step back. Wait for the actual evidence to be presented in an unbaised, neutral hearing. And, after Floyd is cleared, post your apologies.
But if positive tests are not good enough for you --nothing will make you come down from your conspiracy theory cloud where cyclist ride thousands of miles for 23 days without doping and where every positive test for US riders can be blamed on French Tour officials bent on destroying their most popular and prestigious yearly sporting event...
#15
Arschgaudi
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Chicago (Beverly)
Posts: 853
Bikes: Merckx Team SC, Masi (fixed), Merckx Cyclo-Cross
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 15 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
2 Posts
could you guys bicker somewhere else please. I came here for a bit of conversation and information.
Can’t we suspend the back and forth crap for awhile and let the news sink in.
The guy put a gun to his head for crying out loud, he must have been in deep pain.
Doesn’t matter what side you’re on, events just got real serious..
Let it rest for a day or so.
Can’t we suspend the back and forth crap for awhile and let the news sink in.
The guy put a gun to his head for crying out loud, he must have been in deep pain.
Doesn’t matter what side you’re on, events just got real serious..
Let it rest for a day or so.
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 160
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Blaireau
I'd want to respond that after you realize that most if not all cycling pros do in fact dope and that a positive test means the guy doped you should check into to a psych. ward
But if positive tests are not good enough for you --nothing will make you come down from your conspiracy theory cloud where cyclist ride thousands of miles for 23 days without doping and where every positive test for US riders can be blamed on French Tour officials bent on destroying their most popular and prestigious yearly sporting event...
But if positive tests are not good enough for you --nothing will make you come down from your conspiracy theory cloud where cyclist ride thousands of miles for 23 days without doping and where every positive test for US riders can be blamed on French Tour officials bent on destroying their most popular and prestigious yearly sporting event...
#20
Realist
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 3,083
Bikes: Roubaix, Tarmac, Fixed Gear
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
3 Posts
I can't imagin the pain and sorrow the Landis and Witt family have had to endure over the last few weeks.
They are in my Prayers...
They are in my Prayers...
#21
Wher'd u Get That Jacket?
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Somewhere in the Tubes
Posts: 1,317
Bikes: Calfee Dragonfly, Lemond Poprad, Airborne Manhatten Project, Calfee Luna Fixie
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Greg200
I can't imagin the pain and sorrow the Landis and Witt family have had to endure over the last few weeks.
They are in my Prayers...
They are in my Prayers...