HIGH POINT, N.C. – The High Point University community is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Gabriel Stainback, who tragically passed on September 13, 2025. Stainback was a 2021 graduate of High Point and was a member of the track and field team during his four years. He was 26 years old.
“This is sad, sad, news to our coaching staff and program,” Coach Dr. Scott Hall, who was Stainback’s combined events coach, commented. “He was always a bright light in the room, had so much enthusiasm, and was an all-around great teammate. He was well-respected by coaches, teammates and competitors. It’s a sad situation to a wonderful person who’s life was cut short. I consider myself fortunate to have coached him and to have known him in my life. I feel immensely for what his family is going through right now.”
A native of Concord, N.C., Stainback recently had been sworn into the Cornelius Police Department in December 2024 after being hired as a cadet and going through the Basic Law Enforcement Training program…