David Reichman Obituary, Cause Of Death , cardiac arrest – The Brooklyn Half Marathon has long been a fixture in the New York City running community, drawing thousands of participants each year. However, two tragic incidents in consecutive years have cast a somber shadow over this iconic event, reminding everyone of the unpredictable and sometimes tragic nature of life.
In 2025, the Brooklyn Half Marathon was once again marked by the heartbreaking death of a runner—Charles Rogers, a 31-year-old from Manhattan. Rogers, who had been participating in the race for the first time, tragically collapsed near mile 8 and could not be revived despite immediate medical intervention. His death occurred in the same race that saw the passing of David Reichman three years earlier. Reichman, a 32-year-old runner, collapsed at the finish line in 2022, also succumbing to a cardiac arrest shortly after completing the race.
While these two incidents were separated by years, they both serve as stark reminders of the risks that even the most physically fit individuals can face during intense physical activity. For many, the death of a runner during such a beloved event has prompted further conversations about safety measures, the unpredictable nature of cardiac events, and the importance of medical readiness during large races.
Charles Rogers’s Tragic Passing During the 2025 Brooklyn Half Marathon
On the morning of May 15, 2025, the atmosphere at the Brooklyn Half Marathon was filled with the usual excitement and anticipation. Runners lined up at the Brooklyn Museum, ready to take on the 13.1-mile challenge that would take them through Prospect Park and end at the iconic Coney Island Boardwalk. Among the estimated 28,000 runners, Charles Rogers, 31, was participating in the race for the first time. He had trained rigorously and was eager to experience the thrill of the race. Tragically, his journey would end unexpectedly.
Rogers collapsed around mile 8 of the race at Ocean Parkway and 18th Avenue. According to New York Road Runners (NYRR) officials, he experienced a medical episode—later confirmed to be a cardiac arrest—which caused him to fall to the ground. Medics quickly arrived on the scene and administered CPR, before rushing him to Maimonides Medical Center. Despite their best efforts, Rogers could not be revived and was declared dead shortly after arriving at the hospital.
This loss hit the running community hard, with many remembering Rogers not just as a fellow runner, but also as someone who cared deeply about the causes he supported. His participation in the Team for Kids charity initiative, which raises funds for youth fitness programs, spoke to his dedication to improving the lives of others. Those who knew him described him as a caring, driven, and thoughtful individual—someone who always gave his all in everything he did.
In a statement released by Rob Simmelkjaer, CEO of NYRR, he expressed the community’s sorrow: “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.”
Three years before Charles Rogers’s death, the Brooklyn Half Marathon was also marked by a devastating loss. David Reichman, 32, collapsed just after crossing the finish line at the Coney Island Boardwalk during the 2022 race. Similar to Rogers, Reichman experienced cardiac arrest and was immediately attended to by race medical personnel. Despite the efforts to resuscitate him, he was declared dead after being transported to a nearby hospital.
Reichman, a fitness enthusiast and experienced runner, had been participating in the Brooklyn Half Marathon as part of his commitment to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. His sudden death sent shockwaves through the New York City running community, prompting conversations about the risks associated with endurance events, especially for those who may have underlying health conditions.
Reichman’s passing led to increased calls for more extensive medical screenings and emergency protocols during races. The heartbreak of his family, friends, and fellow runners was compounded by the fact that he had just completed the race—something he had worked hard to achieve.
Both of these tragedies highlight the fragility of life and the unpredictable nature of cardiac incidents during endurance events. Despite the careful training and preparation that runners undertake, sometimes their bodies can succumb to unforeseen medical events, which can have fatal consequences.
In the wake of both Reichman’s and Rogers’s deaths, there has been growing support for increased medical preparedness at events like the Brooklyn Half Marathon. Race organizers and medical teams have worked hard to ensure that CPR teams, AED devices, and defibrillators are available along the course. Additionally, there are calls for participants to undergo thorough health screenings before competing in races of this magnitude.
New York Road Runners has emphasized the importance of safety, stating that they are committed to improving medical safety measures to protect all participants. The organization also extended their support to the families of those who have tragically passed, ensuring that the running community remains strong and compassionate during times of grief.
As we remember both Charles Rogers and David Reichman, it’s essential to reflect not only on how they passed but on how they lived. Both men were passionate about running and fitness, and they used their participation in the Brooklyn Half Marathon as a way to challenge themselves while supporting meaningful causes. Rogers’s work with Team for Kids and Reichman’s enthusiasm for promoting healthy living through physical activity served as beacons of hope and inspiration for those who knew them.
These two tragedies also underscore the importance of supporting one another in the running community. When someone falls, the entire community feels the loss deeply, but it also comes together in solidarity, ensuring that the spirit of compassion and camaraderie lives on. Runners, volunteers, and spectators all contribute to creating a supportive environment in which every participant matters.
In honor of their memory, the families of Charles Rogers and David Reichman have requested privacy as they grieve their loss. But they also ask that their loved ones be remembered for the joy they brought to those around them, and for the positive impact they had through their dedication to running and fitness.
Conclusion: Honoring Their Memory
The tragic deaths of Charles Rogers and David Reichman during the Brooklyn Half Marathon are heart-wrenching events that will not soon be forgotten. They remind us all of the unpredictable nature of life and the importance of taking care of our health, no matter how fit or prepared we may feel. But more importantly, they remind us of the strength of community and the power of living fully, as both men did until their final moments.
As the Brooklyn Half Marathon continues to be a symbol of perseverance, determination, and community, the memories of these two runners will remain in the hearts of all who knew them. Their legacies will continue to inspire others to run not just for themselves but for causes greater than their own goals.
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