Tragedy struck the Brooklyn Half Marathon when 31-year-old Charles Rogers, a first-time participant from Manhattan, collapsed and died during the event.

Rogers suffered cardiac arrest around 8:11 a.m., shortly after passing the halfway mark of the race, near Ocean Parkway and 18th Avenue—around mile 8 of the course, according to the NYPD and race organizers.

Emergency medical teams responded quickly and performed CPR before transporting him to Maimonides Medical Center. Despite their efforts, Rogers could not be saved.

“This was his first time running the Brooklyn Half,” PEOPLE reported.

“It is with sadness and heavy hearts that we confirm the passing of one of today’s race participants,” said Crystal Howard, Chief Communications and Community Coordinator for New York Road Runners (NYRR). “On behalf of the entire running community, we extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones.”

NYRR emphasized that runner safety remains a top priority. “We’ve taken proactive steps to improve on-course support and emergency response preparedness,” the organization said in a statement.

Later, Rogers’ wife, Sydney, confirmed his death from their home in Lower Manhattan.

“Charles put everything he had into everything he did,” she told the New York Post. “While he leaves behind a wife and family who already miss him beyond words, he died doing something he loved. He was 100% himself.”

Since 2020, Rogers had worked as a Small Medium Business (SMB) Specialist at Verizon. He was not only running for personal achievement but also to support a cause close to his heart: youth fitness.

He was raising funds for Team for Kids, an NYRR charity that empowers young people through running and promotes healthy habits in underserved communities.

In a heartfelt message on Facebook, Rogers wrote:

“Join me in supporting Team for Kids, a team of adult runners dedicated to raising funds for New York Road Runners youth and community programs. Your donation will be a powerful catalyst in empowering youth and communities to develop and encourage healthy habits through running.”

The 2024 Brooklyn Half Marathon, organized by NYRR, drew over 28,000 runners this year. The course started near the Brooklyn Museum, weaved through Prospect Park and Washington Avenue, and finished with a scenic run down the iconic Coney Island Boardwalk.

One comment on Rogers’ final social media post captured the impact he had:

“From one runner to another, thank you for supporting Team for Kids and giving your life for the love of running and helping young people. You will be missed.”