In a tragic turn of events, Bobby Caleb Graves, a 35-year-old avid runner and popular TikTok creator, passed away on Sunday, September 10, 2024, shortly after completing the Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon in Anaheim, California. The incident occurred amid a severe heat wave that has been gripping Southern California in recent days.
Graves, known to his over 18,000 TikTok followers as Caleb, collapsed at the finish line of the 13.1-mile race around 7 a.m. Anaheim Police Sergeant Matt Sutter reported that Graves began clutching his chest immediately after crossing the finish line. A quick-thinking volunteer caught him before he fell to the ground.
Emergency services, which were already on standby for the event, responded swiftly to the situation. “Fire and rescue personnel were right there on the scene,” Sutter stated. “Emergency services could not have been there any faster.” Despite their rapid response and an hour of life-saving efforts, Graves was pronounced dead at the hospital.
The runner’s death has sent shockwaves through the running community and his social media followers. Graves was known for his enthusiasm for Disney parks and his dedication to running. He had previously completed both full and half marathons at Disney World in 2023 and earlier in 2024.
In a haunting twist, Graves had posted a TikTok video just one day before the race, expressing concerns about the extreme heat. “Disneyland Half Marathon — the Halloween Half Marathon — is tomorrow and I’m marginally worried now,” he said in the video. He went on to describe a recent episode of heat exhaustion he experienced while walking his dog.
“I have some susceptibility, I don’t know if it’s temporary or long-term, to heat,” Graves explained in the video. “I don’t know what’s going on, but I really hope I get through the race tomorrow morning.” These words now serve as a chilling premonition of the tragedy that was to unfold.
The Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon is part of the runDisney program, which organizes various running events at Disney parks throughout the year. The race began at 5 a.m., likely an attempt to avoid the worst of the day’s heat. Graves completed the course in under two hours, which Sgt. Sutter described as “a really good time”.
Jessica Good, a spokesperson for Disneyland Resort, expressed the company’s condolences in a statement: “We are deeply saddened by this tragic loss, and our hearts are with Caleb’s family and loved ones during this difficult time”.
The incident has raised questions about the safety of holding such events during extreme weather conditions. However, Sgt. Sutter noted that there were “no other reports that I know of” concerning other runners collapsing or requiring medical attention during the race.
Graves was more than just a runner and social media personality. He was a litigation associate at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, a law firm known for representing “technology pioneers.” He had earned his law degree from Georgetown University.
The Orange County Coroner’s Office is now handling the autopsy to determine the exact cause of Graves’ death. Sgt. Sutter mentioned that it could take weeks or months for the full report to be released.
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with endurance sports, especially in challenging weather conditions. It underscores the importance of listening to one’s body and taking necessary precautions when exercising in extreme heat.
As the running community and Graves’ followers mourn his untimely passing, many are left to reflect on the passion and joy he brought to both his running pursuits and his social media presence. His final videos, filled with excitement for the upcoming race and cautionary words about the heat, now stand as a poignant memorial to a life cut short.
The incident at the Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon is not unprecedented in the world of running events. In 2019, another runner died during a runDisney event, collapsing during the Walt Disney World Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend 5K. These occurrences, while rare, highlight the need for continued vigilance and safety measures in organized running events.
As Southern California continues to grapple with the ongoing heat wave, forecasters predict a slight relief to arrive midweek. However, the running community will undoubtedly be reflecting on this tragedy for some time to come, considering ways to enhance safety protocols and awareness for future events.
