BROOKLYN, N.Y. – A 31-year-old man died Saturday morning after suffering a medical emergency while running in the Brooklyn Half Marathon, race officials and authorities confirmed.

• Tragic Incident: A 31-year-old man, Charles Rogers, died after experiencing a medical emergency at the eight-mile mark of the Brooklyn Half Marathon.
• First-Time NYRR Runner: Rogers, a former University of Minnesota football player and Verizon employee, was participating in his first event organized by the New York Road Runners.
• Condolences and History: Race organizers and the University of Minnesota community have expressed their condolences, marking the second fatality associated with the Brooklyn Half Marathon in recent years.

Tragedy struck the Brooklyn Half Marathon on Saturday morning as a 31-year-old man collapsed and later died after experiencing a medical emergency during the race. The incident has prompted an outpouring of sympathy from race organizers and the running community.

Details Emerge About the Runner and the Incident

The runner has been identified as Charles Rogers, a 31-year-old who worked for Verizon and was a former football player at the University of Minnesota. According to reports, Rogers was approximately eight miles into the 13.1-mile race along Ocean Parkway when he suffered what the NYPD reported as cardiac arrest.

On-site medical personnel immediately administered CPR before transporting Rogers to Maimonides Medical Center. Sadly, he was later pronounced dead at the hospital. The New York Road Runners (NYRR), the organizers of the event, confirmed that Saturday’s race was Rogers’ first time participating in an NYRR event.

Reactions and Responses

Rob Simmelkjaer, the CEO of New York Road Runners, issued a statement expressing deep sorrow over the incident. “It is with sadness and heavy hearts that we confirm the passing of one of today’s race participants,” Simmelkjaer said. “On behalf of the whole running community, we extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and loved ones.”

The University of Minnesota’s athletic department also released a statement acknowledging Rogers’ passing, describing him as a “terrific young man who had an infectious smile and personality.” They extended their thoughts to his family and friends during this difficult time.

This tragic event marks the second fatality associated with the Brooklyn Half Marathon in recent years. In 2022, 30-year-old David Reichman died of cardiac arrest after crossing the finish line. Saturday’s race saw an estimated 28,000 runners participate.