Overview
- A participant collapsed near the north end of the Hoan Bridge during the half marathon on Sunday, Oct. 4, was given CPR and defibrillator treatment on the course and was taken by ambulance to Froedtert Hospital where he later died.
- The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner identified the runner as 36-year-old John Meise of Waukesha and reported no known prior medical history for him.
- Race organizers said they followed established on-course medical and emergency-response protocols and offered condolences to the family while thanking first responders and volunteers.
- Meise was a father of four and it was reported to be his first half marathon; family members and community members have created fundraising and meal-support pages for his family.
- This is the first death in the 44-year history of the Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon and officials note an autopsy and further medical review are needed to determine the cause, a development that will guide any next steps for organizers and public-health follow up.