Wisconsin tragedy

Father of four dies in first marathon

John Mayes, 36, collapsed just 180 meters from the finish line of a half-marathon in Wisconsin, the first race of his life. He was rushed to hospital but died shortly after arrival. Cause of death remains unknown.

Jfeed Staff

OCT 6, 2026 13:07

1 min read

Father of Four Collapses Near Finish Line in First-Ever Marathon

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A father of four collapsed and died during a half-marathon in Wisconsin on Sunday, just meters from the finish line of the first race he had ever run.

John Mayes, 36, went down shortly before 10 a.m., with only about 180 meters remaining to the finish, witnesses told local media.

Emergency crews on site administered life-saving treatment and transported Mayes by ambulance to Froedtert Hospital. Despite medical efforts, he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office said Mayes had no known medical history and that the cause of death has not yet been determined.

Finish line at the race, illustration (Photo: Social media)

"He was just the best dad and husband, and he was the best to everyone in his life," family friend Stacy Hornek told reporters. "He loved doing everything with his family. To say they are heartbroken is an understatement."

Race organizers said they were "deeply saddened" by the death and extended condolences to Mayes's family and loved ones. The race includes medical personnel and emergency protocols along the course, they said, and participant safety remains the top priority. It was the first fatality in the event's 44-year history.

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