{
  "id": 12369621,
  "title": "Father-of-four collapses and dies while running first half marathon",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/father-of-four-collapses-and-dies-while-running-first-half-marathon",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-06T11:36:02.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/father-four-collapses-dies-while-113602874.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A Wisconsin father of four has passed away after suddenly collapsing while running the first half of the Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon on Sunday. John Meise, 36, was nearing the finish line when the incident occurred around 10 a.m. The runner fell at the 13-mile mark, failing to complete the race. He was immediately rushed to Froedtert Hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after.\n\nMeise's sister-in-law, Kristin Bennett, shared the devastating news on a GoFundMe page set up to aid the family. She described him as \"the center of his family's world,\" expressing their profound grief. Family members, friends, and the community have been paying tribute to the loving husband and father. His wife Lauren shared that John lived for his four children: Mason, Owen, Lucy, and newborn Isla.\n\nJohn worked as a brand and digital marketing manager at QuadMed, having graduated in journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. The fundraising appeal on GoFundMe has already raised over $66,000 out of the $70,000 goal, intended to cover funeral expenses and support the family. The cause of death has not been determined yet, and it is noted that Meise had no previous health conditions.\n\nThe Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon expressed deep sorrow over the participant's loss, praising the medical staff, first responders, volunteers, and public safety partners for their support during the race. The race route includes the iconic Hoan Bridge, a major Milwaukee landmark.",
  "summary": "John Meise was taking part in the Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon in Wisconsin when he collapsed not far from the finish line",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}