Tragedy Strikes at 2024 Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon: Runner Collapses and Passes Away

In a devastating turn of events, Caleb Graves, a 33-year-old runner and popular social media vlogger, tragically passed away shortly after crossing the finish line at the 2024 Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon. The incident occurred on Sunday near the legendary Anaheim, California, resort.

Graves, known for his active presence on social media platforms like TikTok, collapsed after completing the race. Prompt emergency responders from Anaheim Fire & Rescue were quick to provide aid to Graves and swiftly transported him to the nearby Anaheim Global Medical Center. Despite their best efforts, Graves was tragically pronounced dead approximately an hour later.

The Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon, part of Disney's runDisney program, offers a series of athletic events at both Disneyland in California and the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. This particular marathon weekend was plagued by exceptionally hot weather, with temperatures soaring above 100 degrees. On Friday, temperatures even reached a scorching 110 degrees, while Sunday, the day of the race, saw temperatures peak at 107 degrees.

In a heartbreaking twist, Graves had previously shared his own personal struggle with heat exhaustion in a TikTok video he posted just before the marathon. He recounted an incident where he had passed out from the extreme heat after walking his dog.

Eyewitnesses at the marathon revealed that Graves was clutching his chest as he crossed the finish line around 7 a.m. local time. Sgt. Matt Sutter, public information officer for the Anaheim Police Department, shared additional details, stating, "The runner crossed the finish line. As soon as he did, one of the workers at the marathon noticed the gentleman was clutching his chest. They noticed he was going into cardiac arrest."

Disneyland Resort spokesperson Jessica Good expressed deep sorrow on behalf of the company, saying, "We are deeply saddened by this tragic loss, and our hearts are with Caleb's family and loved ones during this difficult time."

Graves, a litigation associate at the law firm Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, known for its representation of technology companies, had built a significant following of nearly 18,000 on TikTok. He shared regular content about his experiences at Disneyland, capturing the hearts of his dedicated followers.

The passing of Caleb Graves serves as a somber reminder of the importance of prioritizing health and safety during strenuous athletic events, particularly in extreme weather conditions. As the running community mourns this profound loss, it is crucial to honor Graves' memory and promote a culture of mindful participation to prevent such tragic incidents from occurring in the future.