American TikTok travel influencer dies after Disney Half Marathon

A 35-year-old American travel influencer, Caleb Graves, died from cardiac arrest on Sunday after completing the Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon in Anaheim, Calif. Less than 24 hours before his death, Graves posted a frightening video to his TikTok followers, sharing his concern about his participation in the race.

“I don’t know what’s going on, but I really hope I get through the race tomorrow morning,” Graves said in the video. “I was outside for 20 minutes walking my dog and passed out when I came back in. It felt like heat exhaustion, and I had no control over my body.”

The race began early Sunday morning at 5 a.m. to avoid the extreme heat sweeping through Southern California. At the start, the recorded temperature was 24 C with 82 per cent humidity.

Originally from Texas but residing in Los Angeles, Graves finished the race in under two hours. However, witnesses reported that Graves appeared to be in distress just after crossing the finish line, clutching his chest before collapsing. On-site medical personnel responded immediately, and Graves was rushed to the hospital where he later died from cardiac arrest.

Graves’ death shocked his 18,000 followers, who had closely been following his race preparations. Several fans advised him to stay hydrated, to which Graves responded that he had been “drinking water all day” the day prior.

According to a report from Entertainment Weekly, the Orange County Coroner’s Office is conducting an autopsy, with results expected in the coming weeks or months. Graves was the only casualty from Sunday’s race.

Beyond social media, Graves worked as a litigation associate at an LA-based law firm.

posted Saturday September 14th