A day before the marathon, Caleb Graves said that he was worried about the impact the heat could have on his body. Photo: Caleb Graves/Instagram
A 33-year-old TikTok creator died after experiencing cardiac arrest as he finished a Disneyland half marathon at Anaheim California, US, on Sunday (Sept 8).
Bobby Graves of Garden Grove, who went by his middle name Caleb, clutched his chest as he crossed the finish line of the Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon around 7am, said Sgt. Matt Sutter, a spokesperson for the Anaheim Police Department.
Workers noticed and called paramedics stationed near the finish line, who determined Graves was experiencing cardiac arrest.
They performed life-saving measures until Graves was taken to a hospital, where he was treated for around an hour before he died, Sutter said.
“We are deeply saddened by this tragic loss,” said Jessica Good, a Disneyland Resorts spokesperson, in a statement, “and our hearts are with Caleb’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Graves amassed more than 19,000 followers on TikTok under the handle @calebgtravels, where a majority of his posts focused on Disney and Universal Studios.
A day before the marathon, Graves said on TikTok that he was worried about the impact the heat could have on his body. He believed he passed out from heat exhaustion after walking his dog.
“I have maybe some susceptibility – I don’t know if it’s temporary or long term – to heat because I was outside for like 20 minutes walking my dog, just walking around the block,” Graves said.
“It was hot, but I felt fine,” he continued. “I came in, and then like 10 minutes after I got back in, I just passed out. Just fell asleep, no control over my body.”
He went on to say, “I really hope I get through the race tomorrow morning, (and) the fact that it’s early will help me out because it’s not cute to just, you know, lose control of your body and just fall asleep like that.”
Graves had no known underlying medical issues. The investigation is ongoing, and the coroner will determine Graves’ cause of death.
The half marathon took place amid a heat wave that plagued Southern California. On Sunday, Anaheim experienced its hottest Sept 8 on record with high temperatures reaching 41°C, according to the US National Weather Service.
During the race, which began at 5am, temperatures were around 24°C.
The park had extra water at hydration stations and extra cold towels as well as medical personnel throughout the course and at the finish line for anyone who needed help. – Tribune News Service
