On March 24, 2025, Prineville, Oregon, mourned the loss of Lon Austin, a beloved sports editor and community pillar who died of a heart attack at age 69.
He was in the parking lot of The Home Depot in Redmond with his wife, Karlene Austin, loading bags of soil into their trailer when he collapsed.
Despite the quick actions of a passerby who called 911 and a nurse who performed CPR, Lon never regained consciousness.
He was rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The news sent shockwaves through Central Oregon, leaving Karlene, his family, and an entire community to grieve the loss of a man whose smile and dedication touched many lives.
Lon Austin wasn’t just a name in the byline of the Central Oregonian. To those who knew him, he was a friend, a supporter, and a tireless champion of local sports.
Coaches and athletes described him as a man with an unmatched work ethic and a genuine love for the games he covered.
Whether snapping photos of a nail-biting football match or penning a heartfelt column, Lon made everyone feel seen.
His wife, Karlene, was often by his side, a quiet but constant presence as he poured his heart into his work.
Lon Austin Was An Exceptional Athlete, Participating In Track, Cross Country, And Basketball
Born and raised in Crook County, Lon graduated from Crook County High School in 1975, where his passion for sports first took root.
He was a standout athlete, competing in track, cross country, and basketball.
That love followed him to George Fox University, where he continued to shine on the field and the court.
After college, Lon’s life took him on an unexpected path.
He spent years working in mill jobs, including a stint in Alaska, before fate brought him back to Central Oregon and into journalism.
It was 2007 when Lon’s career took a dramatic turn.
Frustrated with the Central Oregonian’s sports coverage, he marched into the newspaper’s office to voice his concerns.
The publisher at the time, Vance Tong, challenged: “If you think you can do better, take the job.”
Lon, who had zero newspaper experience, said yes. What followed was a wonderful journey.
With no formal training, he threw himself into the role, learning on the fly and quickly becoming one of Oregon’s most respected community sports journalists.
His dedication paid off when Lon won multiple awards for writing and photography in the Oregon Newspaper Publishers Association’s Better Newspaper Contest.
But Lon was more than his accolades. He had a talent for capturing the soul of a moment.
When prep sports slowed in the summer, he turned his lens to the Crooked River Roundup in June and horse racing in July, producing images that popped off the page.
Even the news staff depended on him to cover events when they needed a stellar shot.
His columns, often equal parts hilarious and heartbreaking, gave readers a glimpse into his big heart and sharp wit.
Lon Austin’s Wife, Karlene, And The Community Are Left To Process The Emptiness Lon’s Passing Has Left Behind
For Karlene and Lon, life was a partnership built on shared moments, some quiet, some chaotic, but all meaningful.
That day in the Home Depot parking lot was just another errand, another day together, until it wasn’t.
The outpouring of love on social media paints a vivid picture of the man Lon was. One parent shared a photo Lon took of their daughter Blake at last year’s fair, writing,
A local coach shared a particularly moving tribute,
This is absolutely heart breaking. Lon was so welcoming and so supportive when I came to this community. He played a huge role in promoting not just my soccer program but all sports in this community. I give him a lot of credit for the success that girl soccer has had over the last couple of years. He ignited passion in everyone.. This is a massive loss for Pineville and Crook County. I was scheduled to have breakfast with him next Monday and I’m so sad that I won’t have that time. But I will definitely be having a coffee in his memory regardless.
via facebook
Another person added,
Lon Austin’s legacy is engraved in the photos he took, the stories he told, and the lives he touched.
For Karlene, his wife of many years, and for the countless people who called him a friend, his absence will be felt deeply.
But his work, those breathtaking shots and honest words, will live on, proof of a life well-lived and a community well-loved.
Rest easy, Lon Austin💚
