Caleb Graves Disney Half Marathon : Anaheim, California — A tragic incident unfolded at Disneyland’s 2024 Halloween Half Marathon as 33-year-old Caleb Graves collapsed and died shortly after crossing the finish line on Sunday. The beloved Disney vlogger and social media personality’s sudden passing has cast a somber shadow over the popular event.
A Heartbreaking Finish
Graves, a prominent figure in the Disney vlogging community with nearly 18,000 TikTok followers, crossed the finish line of the half marathon at approximately 7 a.m. local time. According to Sgt. Matt Sutter of the Anaheim Police Department, Graves began showing signs of distress immediately after completing the race.
“Once he crossed the finish line, a race worker noticed that he was clutching his chest,” Sutter told Entertainment Weekly. “They realized he was going into cardiac arrest.” Emergency medical teams from Anaheim Fire & Rescue swiftly attended to Graves at the scene and transported him to the nearby Anaheim Global Medical Center. Despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead about an hour later.
Pre-Race Concerns
The day before the marathon, Graves had shared his concerns about the extreme heat on TikTok. In a video, he recounted experiencing heat exhaustion while walking his dog and expressed apprehension about running in the high temperatures forecasted for race day. “I really hope I get through the race tomorrow morning,” he said, highlighting his worry over the conditions.
The marathon took place during a severe heatwave that saw temperatures climb to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, with a peak of 107 degrees on Sunday. Although Sgt. Sutter noted that the exact impact of the heat on Graves’ condition is still under investigation, the intense temperatures were a significant factor during the event.
Community Reaction
In response to the tragedy, Disneyland Resort spokesperson Jessica Good expressed the company’s deep sorrow. “We are deeply saddened by this tragic loss, and our hearts are with Caleb’s family and loved ones during this difficult time,” Good said in a statement to Entertainment Weekly.
Graves, who worked as a litigation associate at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, was known for his extensive coverage of Disney-related events and his enthusiastic participation in Disney marathons. His videos, which often featured tips and reviews of Disney races, earned him a dedicated following.
Ongoing Investigation
The cause of Graves’ cardiac arrest remains under investigation by the Orange County Sheriff-Coroner Department. While heat is a possible factor, authorities are still determining all contributing factors to this unfortunate event.
Upcoming Disney Marathons
The Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon is part of Disney’s runDisney program, which hosts various marathon events throughout the year. The next set of races is scheduled for the weekend of January 30, featuring a 5K, 10K, half-marathon, and separate kids’ races.
This tragic event underscores the importance of understanding and preparing for extreme weather conditions, particularly during physical activities. As the Disney community and Graves’ followers mourn his loss, the focus will inevitably shift to ensuring safety measures for future events.
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