A runner sadly passed away this weekend after completing Disneyland’s Halloween Half Marathon amid extreme heat in Southern California.
The incident occurred around 7 a.m. on Sunday when the man finished the race, clutching his chest. A volunteer helped him before he collapsed, according to Anaheim Police Sgt. Matt Sutter.
“Paramedics from Anaheim Fire and Rescue were on the scene and immediately began lifesaving measures, transporting him to the hospital,” Sutter said. “Unfortunately, they worked on him for about an hour, but he was pronounced dead at the hospital.”
The Orange County coroner’s office identified the runner as 35-year-old Bobby Graves, known as Caleb, from Garden Grove. Graves was an avid Disney fan with a following of over 20,000 on Instagram and TikTok under the username @calebgtravels, where he shared his love for Disney.
Sutter noted that Graves had no known health conditions, and the coroner’s office is investigating the cause of his cardiac arrest. Graves, an experienced runner, regularly posted Disney race reviews and running tips on social media. Earlier this year and in 2023, he completed Disney World’s full marathon and half-marathon.
“We are deeply saddened by this tragic loss, and our hearts are with Caleb’s family and loved ones during this difficult time,” said Disneyland Resort spokesperson Jessica Good.
In 2019, another runner also collapsed and died during the Walt Disney World Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend 5K.
Disney did not comment on whether any precautions were taken during the Halloween Half Marathon to prevent heat-related issues.
The day before the race, Graves expressed concerns about the heat wave to his TikTok followers. “I was outside for about 20 minutes walking my dog, and 10 minutes after coming back inside, I just passed out,” he said, noting that although he was accustomed to Texas heat, Southern California’s high UV exposure combined with the heat presented a distinct challenge.
“I really hope I get through the race tomorrow morning,” he added.
Graves, originally from Stephenville, Texas, studied biology at the University of Texas at Austin before earning a law degree from Georgetown University. He worked as a litigation associate in Century City at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, specializing in intellectual property and entertainment law.
“We were informed today that Caleb Graves has passed away. His many friends and colleagues at the firm are mourning the loss of an outstanding person and lawyer,” Wilson Sonsini said in an email, asking for privacy for his family.
In addition to his legal career, Graves was creatively accomplished. He published a poetry collection titled *love, and other love* and directed two short films, *Bingo Queen* and *Magic Hunt*, in 2022.
Friends and family shared condolences on Facebook, with one user requesting that the family be given “space and time to make arrangements during this incredibly difficult loss.”