We have some very sad news today out of southern California. Runner and content creator Bobby Graves, who went by his middle name Caleb, died on Sunday after completing Disneyland’s Halloween Half Marathon. Graves was a popular Disney Instagramer, and TikToker going by the username Calebgtravels.
Around 7 am on September 8th, Graves crossed the finish line of the marathon while clutching his chest. A volunteer was able to catch him before collapsing, Anaheim Police Sgt. Matt Sutter told the Los Angeles Times.
“Anaheim fire and rescue personnel were on scene immediately and started giving lifesaving measures and transported them to the hospital,” Sutter said. “Unfortunately, they worked on him for about an hour, and he was pronounced deceased at the hospital.”
“We are deeply saddened by this tragic loss and our hearts are with Caleb’s family and loved ones during this difficult time,” Disneyland Resort spokesperson Jessica Good said in an email.
Possible Cause
At this time his cause of death is believed to be cardiac arrest, but the coroner’s office is still investigating. The runner had no known conditions that could have caused this and was an experienced long-distance runner. Having already competed in Walt Disney World’s full marathon and half-marathon races, earlier this year, and in 2023.
It is believed that California’s current heat wave may have been a contributing factor in his sudden death. A day before the run Graces posted a video where he expressed concern about the high temperatures.
“I was outside for like 20 minutes walking my dog,” Graves said in the, possibly now deleted, video. “Ten minutes later after I came back in, I just passed out.”
Being a Texas native, Graves was no stranger to heat either. However, “the UV exposure with the heat in Southern California is its own kind of beast,” he said. “I really hope I get through the race tomorrow morning.”
Our thoughts are with Caleb’s family and friends during this difficult time.
