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Veteran Collapses and Dies Moments After Crossing Marathon Finish Line
15 Nov
Summary
- 28-year-old US Army veteran Scottie Williams died suddenly after finishing a half marathon
- His girlfriend witnessed him collapse and his heart stop, despite him appearing healthy
- Williams had no known underlying health conditions and was an active, healthy person
On November 13, 2025, tragedy struck at the Silver Strand Veterans Day Half Marathon in San Diego, California. Scottie Williams, a 28-year-old US Army veteran, collapsed and died just moments after crossing the finish line of the race.
According to Williams' sister, Sarah Young, the young man had appeared healthy and was not in any visible distress as he completed the half marathon. However, as soon as he grabbed his medal and started walking, he suddenly collapsed, and his heart stopped. Despite immediate CPR efforts by on-site medics, Williams never regained a pulse and was pronounced dead.
Williams, who had served overseas in Syria and South Korea before joining the Army Reserve, was described by his family as a healthy, active individual who enjoyed outdoor activities like snowboarding, surfing, and fishing. His sister stated that he had no known underlying health conditions and regularly received checkups from Veterans Affairs doctors.
The cause of Williams' tragic death remains a mystery, as an autopsy performed in the hours after the incident did not provide any immediate answers. His devastated family is now left to grapple with the sudden and unexpected loss of their beloved son, brother, and uncle, who they say had recently found happiness and was planning to marry his girlfriend.
