A 29-year-old who participated in the London Marathon on Sunday has died in hospital after collapsing mid-race, event organizers said on Monday.
Matt Campbell, a professional chef from the Lake District, received emergency medical treatment before being rushed to hospital after falling unconscious half way through his 23rd mile.
Campbell, who completed the Manchester Marathon this month in under three hours, was running in memory of his father Martin who died two years ago.
“Everyone involved in the organisation of the London Marathon would like to express our sincere condolences to Matt’s family and friends,” organisers said in a statement here
“The exact cause of death will be established by later medical examination.”
Following the news of his death, fans from around the world took to social media to condole with his family for their loss.
Every run I ever run again I will run for you Matt Campbell. My heart is broken
— Aoife D (@xefax) April 23, 2018
We are devastated to hear about Matt Campbell. He already felt like a friend to those of us who had the pleasure to meet and work with him over the past few months. A real star and a lovely lovely person. Our sincere condolences to his family and friends in Cumbria and beyond.
— Richard Eccles (@REcclesMedia) April 23, 2018
I’m absolutely gutted, just got the news that Matt Campbell sadly died after the London marathon
What a lovely, kind hearted and genuine young man who had a massive future in front of him
I’m so glad and honoured to have known him as one of my students but mainly as a friend ❤️ pic.twitter.com/GFhTdFFpWr— Chef Nick Martin (@ChefsPass) April 23, 2018
It is with huge sadness that I received the news of Matt Campbell's untimely death earlier today. He was a talented, innovative and driven chef with a bright future ahead of him. My thoughts are with his friends & family at this tragic time.
— Marcus Wareing (@marcuswareing) April 23, 2018
Kenyan duo Eliud Kipchoge and Vivian Cheruiyot won the men’s and women’s races, recording times of 2:04.16 and 2:18.30.
