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New York Post
Runner Caleb Graves dies after collapsing at finish line of Disneyland half-marathon — leaving chilling video before death
By Richard Pollina,
5 hours ago
A beloved TikTokker died moments after he finished running Disneyland’s Halloween Half Marathon — less than 24 hours after saying he was “marginally worried” about the event.
Bobby Graves — known by his middle name, “Caleb,” on social media — clutched his chest as he crossed the finish line at the California amusement park’s race around 7 a.m. Sunday, Anaheim police told People .
Graves, 35, collapsed and went into cardiac arrest, Anaheim police Sgt. Matt Sutter said.
Bobby Graves — known by his middle name, “Caleb,” on social media — died after finishing the Disneyland half-marathon on Sunday. Caleb Graves / Facebook
“Fire and rescue personnel were right there on the scene,” Sutter said, noting that “emergency services could not have been there any faster” to treat the social media star.
Emergency personnel “performed life-saving measures” on Graves, an experienced and avid long-distance runner, before rushing him to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Sutter told People the social media influencer had no known medical conditions before he died.
The coroner’s office is investigating the cause of his cardiac arrest.
Graves reportedly finished the 13.1-mile race in under two hours.
Graves, 35, collapsed and went into cardiac arrest. @calebgtravels/TikTok
“The race started at 5 a.m., I don’t know what start wave he was in, but he crossed the finish line at approximately 7 a.m.,” Sutter says, adding that Graves made “really good time.”
The race occurred early in the morning as Southern California dealt with triple-digit heat waves, with Anaheim hitting a high of 107 degrees by midday Sunday .
The day before he died, Graves revealed that he “passed out” from heat exhaustion after he returned home from walking his dog.
“Disneyland Halloween half marathon is tomorrow, and I’m marginally worried now,” Graves said in a video titled, “This heat is no joke.”
The coroner’s office is still investigating the cause of his cardiac arrest. @calebgtravels/TikTok
The social media influencer said he went outside around 2 p.m. Saturday for “about 20 minutes” and collapsed “about 10 minutes” after he returned.
“I grew up in Texas, I know what heat is like but the UV exposure with the heat in Southern California is its own kind of beast,” Graves explained.
“I really hope I get through the race tomorrow morning.”
The day before he died, Graves revealed that he “passed out” from heat exhaustion after he returned home from walking his dog. @calebgtravels/TikTok
Heat exhaustion occurs when a person’s body temperature rises to between 101 and 104 degrees F, and they cannot cool down due to environmental heat or a pre-existing health condition. The average core body temperature is about 98.6 degrees.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion include dizziness, confusion and nausea, which can usually be treated by drinking water and resting in a cool area.
According to the Cleveland Clinic , if heat exhaustion is not treated, it can lead to heatstroke, which is a life-threatening condition.
Heatstroke occurs when a person’s temperature rises to 106 F or higher within 10 to 15 minutes, and the body cannot control its core temperature.
In the wake of Graves’ sudden death, his friends and family shared condolence messages on Facebook .
The social media influencer said he went outside around 2 p.m. Saturday for “about 20 minutes” and collapsed “about 10 minutes” after he returned. Caleb Graves / Facebook
“It is with great sadness that on behalf of the Graves family that mine should announce the passing of Caleb Graves this morning. He will surely be missed by both of those close to him, and to his family,” the TikTokker’s friend Zane Drury wrote.
“My family asks that you would give the Graves family the space and opportunity they need to make the upcoming arrangements necessary for such an incredible loss, and to join with us in prayer for peace that surpasses all understanding.”
Disneyland Resort spokesperson Jessica Good told KTLA the park is “deeply saddened by this tragic loss, and our hearts are with Caleb’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
The Post has reached out to Disneyland and the Anaheim Police Department for comment.
According to KTLA, Graves completed Disney World’s full marathon and half-marathon races in 2023 and this year.
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