Sudden Loss and Lessons for Professional Athletes: Why Estate Planning Matters

Florence “Flo-Jo” Griffith Joyner was one of the most electrifying athletes in Olympic history — a world record-setting sprinter celebrated for her speed, style, and impact on track and field. But when she died unexpectedly at age 38, her family faced years of legal challenges and uncertainty because her will could not be located after her death. FastWill+1

Her story is a powerful reminder for professional athletes: estate planning isn’t just for retirement — it’s for life. Even peak performance and global success don’t protect your family from the fallout of incomplete planning.

A Champion’s Legacy, A Family’s Legal Battle

Flo-Jo was more than a world-class sprinter — she was a wife, mother, and public figure. When she died suddenly from an epileptic seizure at 38, her family expected to settle her affairs based on her expressed intentions. Unfortunately, although she did have a will, no one could locate the original document after her death. FastWill

Under state law, because the will could not be filed within the required time period, the court treated her estate as though she had died without a will (intestate). This meant her assets and legacy were administered by a probate court rather than according to her carefully considered wishes. FastWill

Rather than a smooth transition, her family experienced:

• Years of probate litigation

• Conflict between her husband and her mother

• Court-appointed oversight of estate administrationAll of which could have been minimized — or avoided — had the will been found and properly filed. FastWill

This is exactly the sort of situation professional athletes do not want their families to inherit.

Why This Matters for Professional Athletes

As an elite performer, your career unfolds under pressure, risk, and a rapidly changing life stage. You manage training schedules, contracts, endorsements, media obligations, and legacy building. But without a clear plan, your family may face:

❌ Court-controlled asset distribution

When a document can’t be found or doesn’t exist, a judge — not you — decides who gets what.

❌ Public probate battles

Probate records are public, which means personal financial information becomes part of the legal record.

❌ Family disputes and emotional strain

Lack of clear direction can lead to disagreements during an already painful time.

Flo-Jo’s family hoped her wishes would guide decisions — but because her will was lost, those intentions were never legally enforceable. FastWill

The Real Cost of Incomplete Planning

Athletes often assume estate planning is something “you do later,” or only if you’re older or wealthy. But in the modern sports world, athletes accumulate valuable assets early — from contract guarantees and bonuses to endorsement income, intellectual property, and brand partnerships.

When planning is incomplete or inaccessible:

• Loved ones may wait months to access funds

• Probate and attorney fees can consume assets

• Beneficiaries may receive less than you intended

A will or trust is only effective if it can be found, accessed, and understood by someone you trust.

What Effective Planning Looks Like

Real protection goes beyond drafting documents. Your plan should:

✔ List all assets, accounts, and rights

Include contract details, business interests, endorsement income, and digital platforms.

✔ Tell your trusted executor where the documents are

A plan that can’t be located is just paperwork — not protection.

✔ Ensure immediate access to financial resources

This helps your family cover urgent expenses without delay or court involvement.

✔ Include powers of attorney and healthcare directives

So your appointed agents have authority if you’re incapacitated.

✔ Be regularly reviewed and updated

As your career evolves, so should your plan.

Planning Isn’t About Fear — It’s About Responsibility & Legacy

Flo-Jo’s story isn’t meant to scare you — it’s meant to educate you. Your athletic gifts may make headlines, but your legacy is defined by what you protect for your loved ones when you’re not there to speak for yourself.

Death doesn’t send a courtesy notice. It doesn’t wait until you retire or feel “ready.”

Planning now means your loved ones can focus on what really matters — healing, family, and honoring your legacy — instead of navigating courtrooms, lost documents, or legal battles.

How We Help You Protect Your Legacy

I help professional athletes create Athlete Legacy Plans™ that:

• Protect assets and intellectual property

• Provide clear instructions for loved ones

• Ensure financial stability immediately after death or incapacity

• Build a trusted advisor relationship your family can rely on

Your plan should work when it matters most — not just sit in a drawer.

If you’re thinking about your family’s future, it’s time to act.

👉 Click here to schedule a complimentary 15-minute discovery call: CLICK HERE.

This article is a service of Athlete Legacy™, part of Legacy Gurus™ a Personal Family Lawyer® firm. We don’t just draft documents — we help professional athletes make informed, empowered decisions about life, legacy, and the future of the people they love.