A day meant for triumph turned to tragedy when a 31-year-old runner collapsed and died during the Brooklyn Half Marathon, leaving the running community in shock. The incident happened on May 17, 2025, around 8:11 a.m., near Ocean Parkway and 18th Ave in Kensington, Brooklyn. Charles Rogers, a first-time participant in the race, was just past mile 8 when he suffered a sudden cardiac arrest. Despite quick action from on-site medical staff who performed CPR, Rogers could not be saved and was pronounced dead after being rushed to Maimonides Hospital.
Rogers was no stranger to pushing his limits. A former safety for the Minnesota Gophers football team, he had transitioned into a successful career as a Senior Account Manager at Verizon. On this day, he laced up his running shoes for a cause close to his heart, raising funds for a charity that supports young runners. His wife, Sydney, remembered him as a fiercely dedicated man, saying,
“Charles put everything he had into everything he did.”
The exact reason for his cardiac arrest remains unclear, with investigations ongoing and no known health issues reported.
The weather that morning seemed unlikely to be to blame. With partly cloudy skies and temperatures between 62 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit, conditions were typical for a spring race in Brooklyn. This sets the 2025 event apart from the 2022 Brooklyn Half Marathon, where extreme heat raised concerns after another runner’s death. Still, Rogers’ passing has reignited conversations about safety in long-distance running events.
The New York Road Runners (NYRR), which organizes the Brooklyn Half Marathon, expressed profound sadness. CEO Rob Simmelkjaer said,
“On behalf of the whole running community, we extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones.”
The University of Minnesota, where Rogers played college football, also shared their grief, calling him.
“A terrific young man who had an infectious smile and personality.”
Tributes continue to pour in, including a community post highlighting his charitable spirit.
