Quinonez, who was 32, became a national hero in 2012 when he reached the 200 meter final at the London Games, finishing seventh in a race won by Usain Bolt.

Quinonez went on to win bronze in the 200m at the 2019 world championship in Doha.

Guayaquil-based newspaper El Universo reported that Quinonez was fatally shot on a street in the northwest section of the city around 9:20 pm Friday and that another man was also killed.

There were no immediate report of arrests.

Ecuador President Guillermo Lasso vowed in a statement on Saturday that the slaying "will not go unpunished."

Quinonez's death was also confirmed by the Ecuadorian Olympic Committee Olympic Committee in a statement on Saturday. It said the circumstances of his death "have not yet been clarified."

Andrea Sotomayor, the secretary general of the Ecuadorian Olympic Committee, expressed her sorrow and outrage on Twitter, decrying "so much evil."

"I don't have words to express the sadness, helplessness and indignation that is overwhelming me," wrote Sotomayor, who was formerly Minister of Sport. "Alex Quinonez was the synonym of humility and a clear example of resilience. His loss leaves us with pain in our chests."

Australian Associated Press