A Wisconsin father of four who had spent years running died after collapsing within sight of the finish line during his first half marathon.
John Meise, 36, was competing in Sunday morning’s Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon when a witness saw him fall shortly before 10 a.m., WISN reported.
Another participant told the outlet that emergency medical technicians were performing lifesaving measures near the 13-mile point, fewer than 600 feet from the finish.
Meise was removed from the course by stretcher and transported to Froedtert Hospital. He was pronounced dead soon after his arrival.
According to the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office, Meise had no known medical conditions, and the cause of death has not yet been determined.
He is survived by his wife, Lauren, and their four children: Mason, 11, Owen, 8, Lucy, 4, and 1-year-old Isla, TMJ4 reported.
Lauren said her husband had been running for about six years, but the Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon marked his first attempt at a half marathon.
“His loss has left an enormous hole in the hearts of everyone who knew him, especially the family he loved more than anything,” his sister-in-law, Kristin Bennett, wrote on a GoFundMe campaign created to help support the family.
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Bennett said Meise had a gift for making people feel “welcomed, valued, and cared for,” adding that his kindness and presence touched countless lives.
Family friend Stacy Horneck, who organized a Meal Train for the family, described Meise to WISN as “literally the best Dad, and husband and best to everyone in his world.”
“He loved doing everything with his family. To say they’re heartbroken is an understatement,” Horneck said, remembering him as funny, intelligent and talented.
Meise earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and worked as a brand and digital marketing manager at QuadMed, according to his LinkedIn profile.
Race organizers offered their “sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the half marathon participant who passed away following Sunday’s event,” a spokesperson told WISN.
“We are deeply saddened by this loss and are grateful to the medical personnel, first responders, volunteers and public safety partners who support the safety and well-being of participants throughout race weekend,” the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson said the race follows established medical and emergency-response procedures, with medical teams stationed along the course, and emphasized that runner safety “remains a central priority.”
Organizers said Meise’s death was the first fatality in the event’s 44-year history.
The weekend race series also set a new participation record, drawing approximately 8,000 registered runners, including about 6,000 people who took part Sunday, according to the Milwaukee Business Journal.