Runner Dies After Collapsing at Disneyland’s Halloween Half Marathon
A runner tragically died over the weekend after collapsing at the finish line of Disneyland’s Halloween Half Marathon, amid a severe heat wave in Southern California.
The incident occurred around 7 a.m. Sunday, when 35-year-old Bobby Graves, from Garden Grove, collapsed moments after crossing the finish line, clutching his chest. According to Anaheim Police Sgt. Matt Sutter, a volunteer intervened before Graves fell, and emergency personnel immediately began lifesaving measures. Despite their efforts, Graves was pronounced dead at the hospital after an hour of treatment.
The Orange County coroner’s office has identified Graves, who was known as Caleb, as an avid Disney fan and social media personality with a significant following on Instagram and TikTok under the handle @calebgtravels. He shared his love for Disney and running, often providing advice and reviews for fellow enthusiasts.
Sgt. Sutter confirmed that Graves had no known pre-existing medical conditions, and the cause of his cardiac arrest is still under investigation. Graves had previously participated in Disney’s marathons, including those at Disney World earlier this year.
Disneyland Resort spokesperson Jessica Good expressed condolences: “We are deeply saddened by this tragic loss and our hearts are with Caleb’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
This is not the first fatality at a runDisney event; in 2019, another runner collapsed and died during a 5K race at Walt Disney World.
Disney did not respond to inquiries about heat precautionary measures for the Halloween Half Marathon. The day before the race, Graves shared his concerns about the heat wave on TikTok, highlighting the challenges he faced due to the Southern California temperatures.
Graves, originally from Stephenville, Texas, was a litigation associate at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati. The firm expressed grief over his loss but declined to comment further out of respect for his family’s privacy.
In addition to his legal career, Graves was a creative writer and filmmaker, having published a collection of poems and directed short films.
Friends and family have taken to social media to express their condolences, asking for privacy for Graves’ family during this difficult time.
*Updates:*
7:41 a.m. Sept. 10, 2024: This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
