59-Year-Old Altadena Man Suffers Fatal Heart Attack During Race
A 59-year-old Altadena man under doctor’s care for hypertension suffered a fatal heart attack Sunday while running in the fifth annual Los Angeles Marathon, race officials said.
William McKinney, who had also trained for the contest under a physician’s care, suffered heart failure about 1:30 p.m. at Crenshaw Boulevard near Pico Boulevard, a marathon spokesperson said.
McKinney, who collapsed while in the 21st mile of the 26.2 mile race, was pronounced dead at Midway Hospital. He apparently had a history of heart disease, Los Angeles Fire Department spokesman Pat Marek said.
Paramedics watching the race saw McKinney trotting comfortably along the course, Marek said.
“They were there, just watching the race, when they saw the guy just go down,” he said. “They rushed him to the hospital, but he didn’t make it.”
Marathon officials said the incident marked the first time a runner has died during the race.
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