Today’s Chicago Marathon, held in 80-degree weather, tragically claimed the life of 35-year-old Captain William Caviness from the Greensboro, NC Fire Department. According to a report from the Chicago Tribune:
Authorities believe that Caviness suffered a cardiac arrest, though the official cause of death is still pending autopsy results, as confirmed by a spokesperson from the Cook County medical examiner's office.
Caviness, who was married with two young children under the age of five, served as a captain on a fire engine crew for the Greensboro Fire Department. Dave Coker, president of the local firefighters’ union, shared these details about his dedication and service.
He was running the marathon to support the International Association of Fire Fighters Burn Foundation, an organization that focuses on fire prevention and provides aid to burn victims. Before the race, he had already raised over $2,475—exceeding his $2,000 fundraising goal, as noted on the campaign website.
According to George Chiampas, the medical director of the Chicago Marathon, sudden cardiac arrests during marathons occur in approximately 1 in 100,000 to 1 in 120,000 runners. “We know where these incidents typically happen,†Chiampas explained. “That’s why we have a large number of medical personnel stationed in the final half-mile to one mile, as well as at the finish line. In this case, there were five to six emergency medical doctors and 25 to 30 meters of EMS response nearby. The team responded within seconds.â€
The full article can be read here.
While the exact cause of Caviness' death remains under investigation, his commitment to both his community and the fire fighter family is evident. His efforts to raise awareness and funds for burn victims highlight the deep sense of duty and compassion he carried. As the fire fighting community mourns, many are reflecting on the risks faced by first responders, not just on the job, but even during moments of personal challenge and endurance.
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