Brooklyn Half Marathon runner collapses and dies after crossing finish line as heatwave hits East Coast
A runner taking part in the Brooklyn Half Marathon has collapsed and died after crossing the finish line as a scorching heatwave hit the East Coast of the US.
An FDNY spokesperson told NBC New York that the runner collapsed at the finish line at the Coney Island Boardwalk and was rushed to nearby Coney Island Hospital.
The participant, whose identity has not been revealed, was pronounced dead at the hospital.
At least six other race participants were also taken to hospital with various injuries over the course of the run, three of them with serious injuries, the FDNY said.
The tragedy came as runners faced soaring temperatures on Saturday morning in what marked the first time the Brooklyn Half Marathon has been held in person since the start of the pandemic.
Organised by New York Roadrunners, the course weaves around the New York City borough of Brooklyn, starting at the Brooklyn Museum before travelling through the park and ending on the beach boardwalk at Coney Island.
Around 22,000 people were expected to turn out for the 13.1 mile run including famous faces such as GMA host T.J. Holmes.
