The 2024 Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon turned tragic on Sunday when beloved runner and vlogger Caleb Graves, 33, collapsed after crossing the finish line. Despite the swift response from Anaheim Fire & Rescue, who transported him to Anaheim Global Medical Center, Graves was pronounced dead approximately an hour later.
Caleb Graves was a well-known figure in the Disneyland community, boasting nearly 18,000 TikTok followers who eagerly followed his adventures at the park. His sudden passing has cast a shadow over the event, a popular fixture of Disney’s runDisney program, which offers a variety of races at both Disneyland in California and Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.
The day of the marathon was blisteringly hot, with temperatures peaking at 107 degrees. Just days prior to the race, Graves shared on TikTok that he had passed out from heat exhaustion after walking his dog, hinting at the tough conditions all participants faced. Tragically, it was during this heatwave that Graves’ race came to an untimely end.
As Graves crossed the finish line around 7 a.m., he was seen clutching his chest, according to Sgt. Matt Sutter of the Anaheim Police Department. Moments later, he went into cardiac arrest. Disneyland Resort spokesperson Jessica Good expressed heartfelt condolences, stating, “We are deeply saddened by this tragic loss, and our hearts are with Caleb’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Graves’ legacy will undoubtedly live on through his social media content and the memories he created at Disneyland. His passing underscores the importance of taking precautions during extreme weather conditions, especially for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts.
We invite you to share your thoughts and condolences in the comments below and to keep Caleb’s family in your thoughts during this difficult time.
Source: Tuhin Das Mahapatra
