Racer dies during St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series in Nashville
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — A 26-year-old man died as thousands participated in the St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series marathon Saturday in downtown Nashville.
Three hours and 49 minutes into the race, the Metro Nashville Police Department said a medical call came in from the Shelby Park area in East Nashville about an unresponsive runner. CPR was already in progress, so the Nashville Fire Department reportedly brought the man to the hospital, where he later died.
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His family identified him as Joey Fecci and released a statement:
It is with unbearable grief and immense sorrow that we share our dear and beloved Joey transitioned to the other side on Saturday April 27th. He was a bright light of inspiration and positivity to everyone that was blessed to cross paths with him. He was a treasured son, brother, boyfriend, and friend to so many. He leaves behind a broken family that loves him so very much. A more detailed statement will follow.
Eric Patti Nick Lucas Olivia
The St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series shared the following statement with News 2:
It is with our deepest regret to confirm the death of a race participant at Saturday’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Nashville event. The runner received urgent medical attention by the on-site medical team before being transported to a nearby hospital where they sadly passed away. We appreciate the medical personnel who worked quickly to support the participant. We share our greatest sympathies with the family and friends of the race participant, and we will continue to offer them our support as they go through this very difficult time. Out of respect for the participant and their family we will have no further comment.
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Fecci worked as a chef who was employed at Yolan, which is inside the Joseph hotel.
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former team member, who was an integral part of Yolan. Our hearts and thoughts are with his family and friends, and we kindly ask that you respect their privacy and our team’s during this time of grief.
Yolan
No additional details have been confirmed about the circumstances surrounding this incident.
Organizers said more than 23,000 registered participants took a foot tour of Nashville during the marathon, half-marathon, 10K, and 5K races on Saturday, April 27.
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