A tragic incident unfolded at Disneyland’s Halloween Half Marathon on Sunday in Anaheim, California, when Bobby Graves, a popular TikTok creator and avid runner, collapsed at the finish line and later passed away. Graves, who was 35 and went by his middle name Caleb, had just completed the 13.1-mile race when he clutched his chest and fell to the ground, according to reports from KTLA.
Anaheim Police confirmed that Graves, who had no known medical conditions, collapsed just moments after finishing the race. Anaheim Police Department Sgt. Matt Sutter noted that Graves had completed the half-marathon in under two hours, which is considered an impressive time, especially under such extreme conditions. The race occurred amid record-breaking, triple-digit heat across Southern California, which likely added to the physical strain.
Emergency personnel were on hand immediately after Graves collapsed, but despite their efforts and an hour-long attempt to revive him, Graves was pronounced dead at a local hospital. The exact cause of his cardiac arrest is still under investigation by the coroner’s office.
In a poignant twist, Graves had posted a video on his TikTok account just one day before the race, commenting on the intense heat and sharing concerns about the upcoming event. In the video, he recounted a recent experience with heat exhaustion while walking his dog, noting how the combination of high temperatures and UV exposure in Southern California was particularly brutal. Graves concluded the video by expressing his hope of making it through the race the next morning.
Runner Caleb Graves dies after collapsing at finish line of Disneyland half-marathon-leaving chilling video before death”I really hope I get through the race tomorrow morning.” pic.twitter.com/8dDsyXArwL
— RadiantRoses (@tahiratrushi) September 11, 2024
Graves had built a following of over 18,000 TikTok followers, where he often shared content about his experiences at Disney and Universal theme parks, running tips, and glimpses into his daily life. Just a few months before his death, he had published his first poetry book, Love and Other Love, which he proudly shared with his audience.
Tributes to Graves have poured in across social media from friends, family, and followers. A close friend, Zane Drury, expressed deep sadness on Facebook, announcing Graves’ passing and highlighting the impact he had on those around him. Graves had also completed both full and half marathons at Disney World in recent years, further cementing his dedication to the running community.
TikToker Caleb Graves shared a heat wave warning before dying at the Disney half-marathon. pic.twitter.com/eCqLrGm79z
— E! News (@enews) September 11, 2024
Disneyland Resort spokesperson Jessica Good also released a statement, saying, “We are deeply saddened by this tragic loss, and our hearts are with Caleb’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Graves’ sudden passing serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of extreme heat, even for seasoned runners, and has left a lasting mark on the community he touched through his online presence and passion for running.
