A runner aged 31 years old died on Saturday, May 17, during the Brooklyn half-marathon. He has now been identified as Charles Rogers, a former college football player.
Roger had started his career in 2012
According to The New York Post, the athlete started his college football career in 2012 as a defensive back at Iowa State University, before he transferred to the University of Minnesota in 2015.
RELATED STORIES
His university team shared a tribute
The University of Minnesota Gophers shared a tribute to the late footballer on Instagram on Monday, May 19.
“Our hearts are broken as former Gopher Charles Rogers tragically passed over the weekend while running the Brooklyn Marathon,” they wrote. “Our thoughts are with the Rogers family and all of his loved ones.”
Rogers had transferred to another university
Lindenwood University in Missouri also shared a tribute to Rogers, who transferred to the university following an injury during the 2015 season.
They wrote, “The Lindenwood Football family mourns the loss of Ace Rogers. Our thoughts & prayers go out to his wife Sydney, his parents Teresa Jordan & Charles Rogers, and the rest of his family.”
Rogers had collapsed during the half-marathon
It had been Rogers’ first time competing when he collapsed during the half-marathon race on May 17. He was eight miles into the 13.1-mile course when he “experienced a medical incident,” as per officials’ statement.
According to NBC New York, the incident took place along Brooklyn’s Ocean Parkway.
His sister set up a fundraiser
The runner’s sister, Tiffany Bass, set up a fundraiser on GoFundMe to assist with the funeral expenses, launching it on Tuesday, May 20.
Bass wrote, “As the oldest sibling, I am determined to organize a “bomb” memorial service in Charles’ hometown of Iowa City, Iowa—where he was raised, went to school, and built lifelong friendships.”
The race organizers had announced his death
In a statement, the New York Road Runners (NYRR)’s CEO Rob Simmelkjaer said, “It is with sadness and heavy hearts that we confirm the passing of one of today’s race participants.”
“On behalf of the whole running community, we extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and loved ones.”
Rogers’ wife also spoke about him
Speaking to The New York Post, Roger’s wife, Sydney Rogers, said, “Charles put everything he had into everything he did.”
“While he leaves behind a wife and family that already miss him terribly, he loved being competitive and left us being 100% himself.”
