TOWN OF POMFRET, N.Y. (WKBW) — New York State Police are investigating after a local sports icon was killed in a one-vehicle collision Monday morning.
The collision occurred around 10:40 a.m. Monday on Glasgow Road in the Town of Pomfret.
Police say a Jeep traveling northbound exited the west shoulder of the road and struck a tree. The operator of the vehicle, 78-year-old Donald C. Reinhoudt of Lily Dale, was taken to Brooks Memorial Hospital where he later died.
Donald Reinhoudt was known to many as the "World's Strongest Man." He won the title during the CBS World's Strongest Man Contest in 1979. Reinhoudt also earned himself a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records for his accomplishments in the 8,000-pound trolley pull, 10,000-pound trolley pull, 3,000-pound barrel press, 1,000-pound girl lift, and 20,000-pound Mack truck pull.
"I’m saddened to learn the news of Don's passing. I will remember Don for his heart, which was as big as the rest of his body," expressed Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel. "He was a true ambassador for Chautauqua County. He especially took care in assisting area youth, as demonstrated by his time working with our Youth Bureau from 1984 to 2007. He also served as the division’s director."
Reinhoudt was inducted into the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame, the World Power Lifting Hall of Fame, the United States Power Lifting Hall of Fame, the National Strength and Power Hall of Fame, and many more.
