One day before running the Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon during Southern California’s scorching heat wave, 35-year-old Bobby Graves, known as Caleb to his thousands of TikTok followers, shared his apprehension about the intense heat and humidity.
In a video posted on September 7, Graves expressed concern about the 90-plus-degree weather, admitting he was “marginally worried” about running the next morning. Resting on a pillow after a short afternoon walk with his dog in Garden Grove, Orange County, Graves described how he nearly passed out from what he believed was heat exhaustion.
An experienced long-distance runner and Disney race fan, Graves acknowledged he was somewhat susceptible to high temperatures, remarking, “The UV exposure with the heat in Southern California is its own kind of beast.” Despite his worries, he remained hopeful, saying, “I really hope I get through the race tomorrow morning.”
Early last Sunday, Graves crossed the finish line of the half marathon in 1 hour and 56 minutes, but moments later began clutching his chest. A volunteer caught him as he was about to collapse, according to Anaheim Police Sgt. Matt Sutter. Roughly an hour later, Graves, suffering from cardiac arrest, was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. The Orange County coroner’s office is investigating whether the heat or other factors contributed to his sudden death.
Graves’ tragic passing may become part of a growing and alarming trend of heat-related fatalities, which have doubled across the U.S. in recent years. This summer, the hottest on record for more than 100 U.S. cities, saw heat contribute to the deaths of multiple children, including four left in hot cars and another 10-year-old who died from heat-related issues while hiking in Arizona. A motorcyclist in California’s Death Valley also succumbed to heat exposure on a day when temperatures soared to a blistering 128 degrees.
Jeffrey Howard, an associate professor of public health at the University of Texas at San Antonio and lead author of a new study, noted a 117% rise in heat-related deaths over the past 24 years, with 21,518 fatalities recorded during that period. “The risks of extreme heat are only going to increase,” Howard said, adding that the spike in fatalities had not been fully recognized until now.
‘An hour of life-saving efforts’
The Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon kicked off at 5 a.m. last Sunday with fireworks and floodlights brightening the early-morning darkness. Over 11,000 runners, some dressed in Disney-themed costumes, took on the 13.1-mile course, which weaved through the theme park and surrounding areas. Temperatures ranged from 74 to 106 degrees, with humidity peaking at 70%, according to the National Weather Service. Many runners paused to snap selfies with Disney characters despite the searing heat.
“I started sweating almost immediately,” said Jacob Boyer, a fellow runner who finished about 30 minutes after Graves. “It’s one of the warmer races I’ve ever done… I had to drink nearly twice as much as I normally would.”
Boyer noticed the presence of an ambulance as he crossed the finish line, recalling that there seemed to be more medical personnel than usual, closely monitoring runners. Paramedics were only feet away when Graves collapsed, Sutter said, and quickly began CPR. Despite their swift actions and an hour of life-saving efforts, Graves could not be revived.
Sutter emphasized that Graves received the quickest possible medical attention, and while it’s unclear if he had any pre-existing medical conditions, toxicology tests are being conducted, with results expected in up to three months.
“We are deeply saddened by this tragic loss,” said Disneyland Resort spokesperson Jessica Good in a statement. The resort did not comment on whether race dates might be reconsidered due to extreme heat.
Heat is the deadliest extreme weather event
The weekend’s Disney races featured extra hydration stations, cooling towels, and warnings about the extreme conditions. Emails urged participants to wear light clothing, stay hydrated, and maintain a slower pace. Medical teams were stationed along the course and at the finish line. Despite these precautions, six runners were treated for heat-related issues during the half marathon, including dizziness and fainting.
Graves, who had studied biology at the University of Texas and taught science before pursuing law, worked as a litigation associate specializing in intellectual property and entertainment law. His firm, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, expressed their sorrow over the loss of “a stellar person and lawyer.”
As the climate crisis drives more intense and prolonged heat waves, the number of heat-related deaths has surged. A recent study published in JAMA found over 2,300 heat-related fatalities in 2023, more than double the total from just three years prior. Researchers expect this upward trend to continue as global temperatures rise, with nearly half of all heat-related deaths occurring in states like California, Arizona, Nevada, and Texas.
Graves, who regularly shared his Disney race experiences on TikTok, posted one final video before the half marathon, reminding his followers to stay hydrated and listen to their bodies in the heat.
“Good luck to all the runners!” he wrote.