The Brooklyn Half Marathon runner, who died Saturday while finishing the race in sweltering heat, has been identified as David Reichman of Flatbush.
Reichman, 32, collapsed on the boardwalk at Ocean Parkway at Brighton Beach Avenue near the finish line after possibly suffering cardiac arrest, according to event organization New York Road Runners Club and the NYPD.
Reichman was taken to Coney Island Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, according to the NYPD. The coroner determined the cause of death.
The 22,000-strong race — from the Brooklyn Museum to Prospect Park to the Coney Island boardwalk — took place on an unusually hot and humid day for the time of year. According to Fox Weather, at 9 a.m. on Coney Island, the temperature was already 70 degrees with a humidity of 83%.
The event was held in person for the first time since the pandemic began. Saturday’s death was the first in the race since 2014, when a 31-year-old runner fell to the ground after crossing the finish line.
David Reichman died of suspected cardiac arrest. Niyi Fote/TheNEWS2 via ZUMA Press Wire
Police reported that four other runners also collapsed towards the end of the race. Paul Martinka
The FDNY said 16 racers were taken to hospital after the race, including the man who died and four others who sustained serious injuries.
A police officer told the Post on Saturday that four other people collapsed towards the end of the race.
“Perhaps an organizer or health official should have called about the conditions,” the officer said.
In a statement released Saturday, the New York Road Runners said they had “medical personnel deployed throughout the course from start to finish, ready to respond immediately to the medical needs of all runners, spectators, volunteers and staff.”
“The health and safety of our runners, volunteers, partners and employees remains a top priority for NYRR,” the group said. “In coordination and consultation with city agency partners and weather experts, NYRR closely monitored weather conditions before and during the race.”