Bobby Caleb Graves, a 35-year-old TikTok influencer and avid runner, died on Sunday, September 8, 2024, after completing the Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon in Anaheim, California. Graves, who went by his middle name Caleb on social media, collapsed at the finish line around 7 a.m., shortly after completing the 13.1-mile race.
According to Anaheim Police Sergeant Matt Sutter, Graves clutched his chest as he crossed the finish line. He was caught by a race volunteer when he fell. Emergency personnel immediately provided life-saving measures and rushed Graves to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead after about an hour of medical intervention.
The day before the race, Graves shared concerns about the extreme heat in Southern California on his TikTok account, which had over 18,000 followers. In a video posted on Saturday, he said, “Disneyland half-marathon—the Halloween half-marathon—is tomorrow, and I’m marginally worried now.”
Graves mentioned that he had dealt with heat-related problems earlier in the day. He shared that he might have some sensitivity to heat, though he was unsure if it was temporary or long-term. After spending around 20 minutes outside walking his dog in hot weather, he felt fine at first. However, about 10 minutes after returning indoors, he passed out.
The Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon occurred during a severe heatwave in Southern California. Temperatures in Anaheim on the day of the race ranged from 72°F (22°C) to a high of 107°F (41°C), although the exact temperature during the early morning race was not immediately clear. The race began at 5 a.m. to avoid the most intense heat of the day.
Despite his concerns about the heat, Graves participated in the race and completed it in under two hours. He was an experienced long-distance runner who had previously completed Disney World’s full marathon and half-marathon races in 2023 and 2024.
In his last TikTok video before the race, Graves encouraged fellow participants to focus on safety. He stressed the importance of staying hydrated and paying attention to their bodies due to the expected heat. He posted this message alongside a video highlighting Disneyland marathon merchandise.
The coroner’s office is investigating the cause of Graves’ cardiac arrest. According to Anaheim police, Graves had no known medical conditions prior to his death. Heat exhaustion, which can lead to heatstroke if not treated, is a serious concern for runners in extreme heat and can cause symptoms like dizziness, confusion, and nausea.
Jessica Good, a spokesperson for Disneyland Resort, issued a statement: “We are deeply saddened by this tragic loss, and our hearts are with Caleb’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Graves was known for his social media presence and running achievements and a successful professional career. The Texas native, who resided in Southern California, worked as a litigation associate at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, a law firm that represents “technology pioneers,” according to its website.
In the wake of Graves’ sudden death, friends, family, and fans have shared condolence messages on various social media platforms. His TikTok account, where he often documented his trips to Disney and Universal theme parks, provided running tips, and shared glimpses of his daily life, has become a place for followers to express their grief and remember his positive impact.
The Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon is part of the company’s ongoing runDisney program, which regularly holds marathon races at Disneyland and Walt Disney World resorts. This is not the first time a runner has died during a runDisney event. In 2019, another participant collapsed and died while running in the Walt Disney World Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend 5K.