The sad incident occurred at the Brooklyn Half Marathon. Credit: Bryan Bedder / Getty
A man collapsed while running the Brooklyn Half Marathon and sadly died during the race.
Emergency responders rushed to help, but he was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.
The cause of death remains under investigation.
Organizers expressed condolences and are working with authorities to support the man’s family.
Charles Rogers, 31, collapsed from cardiac arrest around mile 8 of the Brooklyn Half Marathon.
He went down at 8:11AM near Ocean Parkway and 18th Avenue, officials confirmed.
EMS responded fast, gave CPR, and rushed him to Maimonides Medical Center.
Despite their efforts, Rogers couldn’t be saved.
It was his first time running the race, according to PEOPLE.
Crystal Howard, NYRR’s Chief Communications and Community Coordinator, confirmed the runner’s death with “sadness and heavy hearts.”
She offered condolences on behalf of the running community to his family and friends.
NYRR emphasized that runner safety remains a top priority.
“We’re committed to the highest safety standards for runners and the public,” their statement read.
They also said they had strengthened on-course support and emergency readiness.
Rogers’ wife, Sydney, confirmed his passing from their home in Lower Manhattan.
“Charles gave everything his all,” she said. “He died being 100% himself — competitive and loved.”
Since 2020, Rogers had worked as an SMB Specialist at Verizon — but his run wasn’t just for personal goals.
He ran to support Team for Kids, a New York Road Runners initiative that promotes healthy habits through youth and community programs.
In a Facebook post, Rogers urged others to donate, calling their support “a powerful catalyst” for empowering communities through running.
Over 28,000 participants were expected at this year’s Brooklyn Half Marathon.
The race began at the Brooklyn Museum, passed through Prospect Park, and ended on the iconic Coney Island Boardwalk.
One comment on his final post read: “You gave your life for the love of running. You’ll be missed.”
