A Wisconsin father-of-four has died after suddenly collapsing while running his first half marathon.
John Meise was taking part in the Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon Sunday when he fell at the 13 mile mark, WISN reported.
The 36 year-old was just 600 feet from the finish line when the incident happened at around 10 a.m. He was rushed to nearby Froedtert Hospital but was pronounced dead soon after.
“On October 4, our family experienced an unimaginable loss,” Meise’s sister-in-law Kristin Bennett wrote on a GoFundMe page to support the family.
“A fellow runner immediately stepped in to help, and EMTs and medical staff did everything they could, but John could not be revived.
“John was the center of his family's world. He was a husband, father, son, brother, and so much more. If you knew John, you loved John.”
Meise was married to his wife Lauren and they had four children; 11-year-old Mason, 8-year-old Owen, 4-year-old Lucy and one year-old Isla.
“He was the best dad in the world and he lived for his kids,” his wife told TMJ4.
He worked as brand and digital marketing manager at QuadMed, according to his LinkedIn page, having graduated in journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
The fundraising appeal, which will help to cover funeral expenses and support the family, has already raised more than $66,000 toward its $70,000 goal.
Meise’s cause of death has yet to be established, and a separate appeal on Meal Train said he had no previous health conditions.
“The Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon extends its sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the half marathon participant who passed away following Sunday’s event,” a race spokesperson said in a statement to TMJ4.
“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 safety of participants remains a central priority in the planning and operation of the event.”
The Milwaukee Lakefront Half Marathon takes runners along Lake Michigan, before moving into downtown Milwaukee. The route also takes runners over the Hoan Bridge, one of the city’s major landmarks, which is normally not open to pedestrians.
Read MoreMass shooting at party in Georgia leaves dozens injured and two dead
2 shot dead and dozens injured at neighborhood block party shooting in southern Georgia
Lopsided loss could bump Florida from top 10 in AP Top 25; a move up might be tough for Alabama
Voters are now turning to ChatGPT to help them pick who to choose in November
Senator reveals the moment she knew viral Jack Smith gotcha was a slow-mo train wreck
Trump blames Iran for attempted hijack of Israel plane after captain stabbed
