37-Year-Old Man Collapses, Dies Before Crossing Finish Line of Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon

Photo of participants in Sunday's Rock 'n' Roll half-marathon by fordsbasement via the LAist Featured Photos pool

A runner participating in Sunday's Los Angeles Rock 'n' Roll half-marathon in Downtown Los Angeles collapsed and died ahead of the finish line. He has been identified as 37-year-old Charles Whitmore Riske of Costa Mesa, L.A. Now reports.

Riske died just about two hours after the annual event got underway; he fell over "as he kicked into the final stretch of the race."

Medical responders worked to revive Riske on scene, however he was pronounced dead soon after at the hospital. Riske was reportedly the "only serious health issue associated with the race."

The official response was published by the Daily News:

"We regretfully confirm that a participant passed away after Sunday's half marathon," the 13.1-mile race's medical director, Dr. Lewis Maharam, said in a statement. "We are deeply saddened by this tragic loss and our heartfelt sympathies go out to the runner's family and loved ones."