An unforeseen tragedy struck Disneyland’s Halloween Half Marathon in Anaheim, California, as TikTok creator and enthusiastic runner Caleb Graves, 35, collapsed and passed away after crossing the finish line. Just moments before his sudden death, witnesses reported Graves clutching his chest post-race. Despite medics’ rapid response and extensive efforts working on Graves for nearly an hour, he was declared dead at the hospital.
Interestingly, just a day prior, Graves posted a video on TikTok expressing concerns about the intense heat. He reminisced about a previous incident where he had passed out from heat exhaustion while walking his dog, highlighting the unique and challenging heat conditions of Southern California. His account, followed by over 18,000 fans, often showcased his love for Disney and Universal theme parks, offering glimpses into his life and marathon preparations.
The actual half-marathon, which started at the early hour of 5 a.m., saw Graves crossing the finish line around 7 a.m., a feat considering the record-setting triple-digit temperatures of the day. Anaheim Police Department Sgt. Matt Sutter commended the speed of the emergency response teams, albeit their efforts to revive Graves proved futile.
In his recent social media posts, Graves had been sharing behind-the-scenes looks at his preparation for the race, emphasizing his passion for running and the theme park experience. Beyond his social media presence, Graves had recently added ‘author’ to his credentials, publishing his first poetry book titled “love, and other love” in July.
Disneyland Resort spokesperson Jessica Good conveyed heartfelt condolences, expressing the deep impact of this tragic loss on Graves’ family and loved ones. The coroner’s office continues to investigate the exact cause behind Graves’ cardiac arrest.
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Source: Stepheny Price
