Kamara James Dies: US Olympic Fencer Who Competed in Athens Was 29

Kamara James, a U.S. Olympic fencer, has died at 29, the U.S. Fencing Association said.

Neither a cause of death nor an exact date were reported.

Originally from Jamaica, James moved to New York at age 10 and became one of the youngest Olympic fencers at age 19, when she competed in the 2004 games in Athens.

"What always amazed me about Kamara was how diligent she was. I knew her from the day she started fencing and instantly everyone knew she was a precocious talent," Olympic silver medalist Keeth Smart said about James, according to UPI.

Eric Rosenberg wrote in an article in her memory on fencing.net that mental illness was James’ "most unrelenting adversary."

"The world will never know what Kamara James was capable of accomplishing had she not been so cruelly afflicted. Yet we who knew her, and loved her, will forever celebrate what she did in a life too short, and mourn what might have been,” Rosenberg wrote.

Twitter users said farewell.

My prayers go out to kamara James may you r.I.p #gonetosoon

— Y0ung_Pr!nce (@lil_x181) October 15, 2014

Such sad news. http://t.co/ZhUZnnGXlK

— Strong Koffee® (@Strongkoffee) October 15, 2014

RIP Kamara! One of fencing's brightest stars. You will be missed :( http://t.co/tRZQCMD7zr

— Sonya Menssen (@QueenBammer) October 15, 2014

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