3 Runners Drop Dead in Detroit Marathon

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." (More Detroit stories.)