Two runners who completed the New York City Marathon have died after their efforts - one shortly after crossing the finish line and the other several hours later.
Police say 58-year-old Sao Paulo resident Carlos Jose Gomes just passed the finish line Sunday afternoon in a time of 4 hours 12 minutes when he complained about feeling ill. He was taken by ambulance to Lenox Hill Hospital, where he died.
An autopsy Monday revealed that he had a pre-existing heart condition and died of a heart attack, said Ellen Borakove, a spokeswoman for the chief medical examiner’s office.
The Road Runners did not release details of the second fatality. But The Staten Island Advance reported that Joseph Marotta, 66, of Tompkinsville died, apparently of a heart attack, hours after finishing his fourth New York City Marathon. He walked the course in 9:16:46.
At least two other runners became ill during the race.
A man in his 60’s and a man in his 50's both had heart attacks.
The older runner from France was taken to New York Presbyterian Hospital. He went into cardiac arrest on the 59th Street Bridge.
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The man was unconscious, but alive, as far as police knew.
The victim’s running number was 20967.
The second man was in his 50's. He suffered a heart attack on East 107th Street and was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital.
Both victims were listed in serious condition Sunday.
