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3 Runners Drop Dead in Detroit Marathon

Autopsies today will probe deaths of three men

By Jason Farago, Newser Staff

Posted Oct 19, 2009 7:21 AM CDT

(Newser) – Michigan authorities will conduct autopsies today on three men who died within a 16-minute span during yesterday's Detroit marathon. Just after 9am, a 36-year-old collapsed on the course after 11 miles, and a few minutes later a 65-year-old longtime runner dropped to the ground near the same spot. At the same time, a younger runner collapsed after completing the half-marathon. Despite resuscitation efforts, all three competitors died.

"It would have been his third or fourth trip to Detroit," said the son of the older runner, who had completed about 50 marathons. "He devoted his life to running cross country and track. I think he just liked the friendships, the sense of accomplishment. We're still trying to piece things together."

A pack of runners in the Detroit marathon yesterday. (©No Trams To Lime Street)

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Showing 3 of 17 comments

KahunaOmega122

Oct 20, 2009 12:39 PM CDT

Maybe there was something in the water they gave those guys. Maybe it's the cold weather. Or maybe it was just one really weird, really tragic, really messed up coincidence. It seems equally likely to me that it's just a weird coinkeedink or something's up behind the scenes.

So_Cal_Larry

Oct 20, 2009 6:48 AM CDT

Tests must be done to see whether anything was in any of the drinks handed to runners by bystanders, if these runners accepted such hydration. I'd immediately look for poison.

Pragmaticrealism

Oct 20, 2009 4:18 AM CDT

crappy food in chicago?

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3 Runners Drop Dead in Detroit Marathon

Autopsies today will probe deaths of three men

OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Detroit • autopsy • marathon • running • Detroit marathon deaths

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New Record Set in Boston Marathon

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Onetime asthma sufferer Stefaan Engels aimed to inspire

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Gebre Gebremariam, Edna Kiplagat take men's, women's races respectively

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Edison Pena ran every day while trapped underground

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...fortunately, the harm appears to be reversible

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3 Runners Drop Dead in Detroit Marathon

Autopsies today will probe deaths of three men

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Detroit • autopsy • marathon • running • Detroit marathon deaths

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

New Record Set in Boston Marathon

Kenya's Geoffrey Mutai takes first place

Man Runs 365 Marathons in One Year

Onetime asthma sufferer Stefaan Engels aimed to inspire

Newbies Win NYC Marathon

Gebre Gebremariam, Edna Kiplagat take men's, women's races respectively

Chilean Miner Hits NYC Marathon

Edison Pena ran every day while trapped underground

Marathons Damage Your Heart

...fortunately, the harm appears to be reversible

About Us

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Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?