Runner Dies After EQT Pittsburgh 10 Miler
PITTSBURGH (KDKA)- Officials confirm a runner participating in the EQT Pittsburgh 10 Miler died after the race.
The Allegheny County Medical Examiner's Office says the man experienced an event and was taken to UPMC Presbyterian Hospital.
The man has since been identified as 32-year-old Michael Kovacic.
Witnesses say Kovacic seemed to be struggling as he crossed the finish line near the intersection of Sixth Street and Liberty Avenue.
"When he came towards me, his coloring was just gray and then I saw his eyes roll back in his head," Barbara Weilersbacher said. "There was a woman standing beside me and we got together, we were crying, we hugged and we prayed and tried to hope the best for him."
Kovacic was treated at the scene and then transported to UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Race officials say a total of 23 runners received medical treatment, 16 of those were treated at the finish line.
"They got him on the ground, and gave him CPR," Weilersbacher said. "I was kind of hoping they would make an announcement, family and friends of so and so if you're here come forward, but I didn't hear anything like that and they worked on him for a long time. It was at least 15 minutes."
Organizers released a statement regarding Kovacic's passing late Sunday night:
"We are deeply saddened to hear the news of the death of one of our participants at the Pittsburgh 10 Miler. Our hearts go out to the family."
An autopsy was performed Monday, but Kovacic's cause of death is pending as they await lab results.
More than 4,000 people participated in the race.
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