Charles Rogers Manhattan NY Death, Obituary – The running community, along with friends, family, and colleagues, is grieving the loss of Charles Rogers, a 31-year-old runner from Manhattan who tragically passed away during the Brooklyn Half Marathon on Saturday, May 15, 2025. Charles, who was known for his generosity, positivity, and unrelenting drive, collapsed during the race after suffering from cardiac arrest near mile 8 of the course, at Ocean Parkway and 18th Avenue. Despite swift medical attention, he was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at Maimonides Medical Center.
The news of his untimely death has left a profound impact on those who knew him, as well as the broader running community. Charles was not only an avid runner but also a deeply committed advocate for youth fitness, a professional who excelled in his career, and a cherished friend and family member.
Charles Rogers was more than just a runner; he was a passionate advocate for the well-being of others. A resident of Manhattan, Charles had made a significant impact through his work with Team for Kids, a charitable initiative supported by the New York Road Runners (NYRR). This program raises funds for fitness programs that provide underserved children with the resources and opportunities to lead healthy and active lives.
His participation in the Brooklyn Half Marathon was not just about personal achievement, but also about supporting a cause he deeply believed in. “Charles always put others first,” shared his wife, Sydney Rogers. “He wasn’t just running for himself; he was running for the kids who needed a chance to be healthy, active, and empowered.”
Charles’s decision to race for Team for Kids reflected his belief in the power of movement to change lives. He regularly volunteered and worked with youth fitness programs, hoping to inspire the next generation to take part in sports and lead healthy lifestyles.
In his professional life, Charles was a Senior Account Manager at Verizon Business, where his exceptional work ethic and dedication made him a respected leader. He was admired by colleagues for his ability to balance his career with his passion for philanthropy, as well as for his strong mentoring abilities. Friends and co-workers remember him as someone who always had time for others, offering guidance and support to anyone who needed it.
Charles’s professional success was not just measured by his achievements, but by the positive impact he had on everyone he worked with. His commitment to excellence and his willingness to go above and beyond made him stand out in his field. “He brought so much energy into the workplace,” said a colleague. “He was always looking out for the team and worked tirelessly to help us all succeed.”
The Brooklyn Half Marathon was supposed to be another milestone in Charles’s journey as a runner. The event, which attracted thousands of participants, is one of the premier running events in New York City. Charles had been training for months, preparing to cross the finish line with a sense of accomplishment and pride. But as he ran through the streets of Brooklyn, tragedy struck just after mile 8.
At 8:11 a.m., Charles collapsed after going into cardiac arrest. Despite immediate medical attention on-site, he could not be revived and was transported to Maimonides Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead.
Race officials and the New York Road Runners expressed their sorrow at the loss of a beloved runner and advocate. In a statement, Crystal Howard, Chief Communications and Community Coordinator at NYRR, said, “It is with sadness and heavy hearts that we confirm the passing of one of today’s race participants. On behalf of the whole running community, we extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones.”
A Legacy of Compassion and Commitment
Charles Rogers may no longer be with us, but his legacy is far from over. In his short 31 years, he touched the lives of countless people with his kindness, dedication, and unshakable spirit. Whether through his work with Team for Kids, his impact at Verizon, or his friendships in the running community, Charles leaves behind a lasting influence.
The outpouring of support for Charles’s family has been overwhelming. Donations have flooded in to Team for Kids in his honor, ensuring that his legacy will continue to inspire young people to live healthier, more active lives.
“Charles put everything he had into everything he did,” his wife Sydney said. “He was living fully, competing, and doing what he loved right until the end. We’ll carry on his work, his passion, and his memory.”
In his honor, friends, family, and the NYRR are organizing events and memorial runs, encouraging participants to remember Charles’s dedication to both running and philanthropy.
Conclusion
The tragic death of Charles Rogers has left an indelible mark on the Brooklyn Half Marathon, the New York running community, and the hearts of everyone who knew him. As a runner, a professional, and an advocate, Charles Rogers embodied the values of kindness, commitment, and generosity. His memory will live on through the children he helped, the colleagues he inspired, and the many lives he touched along the way.
As we remember Charles Rogers, let us honor him not only for his passion for running but for his relentless dedication to helping others. He was, and will continue to be, an inspiration to all.
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