According to reports, Wellesley had been battling health issues following a stroke. He was rushed from his home in Trelawny to a hospital in Kingston, where he succumbed to his illness.

Tributes have poured in from across Jamaica, with Prime Minister Andrew Holness acknowledging Wellesley’s impact on his son’s career.

“We have all witnessed the deep love and respect you’ve always shown for your family. As you grieve this great loss, the prayers and support of an entire nation are with you. We mourn with you, we stand with you, and we honor the memory of your father alongside you,” Holness said.

Minister of Sports Olivia Grange also paid tribute to Wellesley, affectionately known as "Gideon" in his community. “Every success that Usain has achieved can be attributed to the confidence given to him by his ever-supportive mother and father. It is going to be a difficult time, but I encourage them to be comforted by the memory of a very good father,” Grange said.

Wellesley Bolt played a key role in shaping Usain’s career, steering him away from cricket and football to focus on track and field. He remained a constant presence in the stands as his son dominated global athletics, winning eight Olympic gold medals.

He is survived by his wife, Jennifer, and their three children, Usain, Sadiki, and Christine Bolt-Hylton.

Jamaica’s Usain Bolt with his mother, Jennifer Bolt and father, Wellesley Bolt during the press conference in London, Britain, Aug. 1, 2017.