TikTok star Caleb Graves, known for his content on Disney parks and films, tragically passed away at the age of 33 after completing the 2024 Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon.
US Magazine reported that Graves collapsed shortly after crossing the finish line and was later pronounced dead at Anaheim Global Medical Center. Graves experienced cardiac arrest soon after the race and could not be revived despite medical intervention.
The event occurred on Sunday, September 8, at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California. Graves crossed the finish line of the half marathon around 7 a.m. local time, where he was seen clutching his chest.
According to Sergeant Matt Sutter, one of the event workers noticed him in distress as he appeared to be going into cardiac arrest.
Medical assistance was immediately provided to Graves following his collapse. Paramedics rushed him to Anaheim Global Medical Center, where, despite efforts to save his life, he was pronounced dead an hour later. The exact cause of his death has not yet been disclosed.
Graves had posted about the marathon on TikTok just days before the event. In his videos, he expressed concerns about the heat and its potential effects on him during the race.
He urged other runners to stay hydrated and listen to their bodies, given the hot conditions expected that weekend.
Leading up to the event, Graves shared his experiences of heat exhaustion in his TikTok videos, noting how it affected him previously. “I really hope I get through the race tomorrow morning,” Graves stated in one of his posts, acknowledging that the early morning start would likely help with the heat.
In another video, Graves described a prior incident where he experienced heat exhaustion after walking his dog, mentioning that he had passed out shortly after coming back inside. These personal reflections added weight to the concerns he expressed about the upcoming marathon.
Caleb Graves was a well-loved figure on TikTok, where he had amassed over 18,000 followers with his engaging content focused on Disney parks and films. Originally from Texas, Graves had moved to Southern California, where he continued to create content while pursuing his passion for writing and filmmaking.
He had recently released his debut poetry book, "love, and other love," on July 10.
Fans were quick to share their condolences on his recent TikTok posts, expressing their grief and admiration for the content creator.
One user commented, “I’m heartbroken. You’ll be missed Caleb by so many. Until we meet again buddy 💔.” Another wrote, “My heart hurts for his family 🙏 you will truly be missed Caleb, rest easy.”
In the aftermath of Graves' death, Disneyland Resort spokesperson Jessica Good offered condolences to his family and loved ones. "We are deeply saddened by this tragic loss, and our hearts are with Caleb’s family and loved ones during this difficult time,” she stated.
Authorities are still investigating the cause of Graves’ death, but as of now, no specific details have been released. While it is known that Graves suffered cardiac arrest after the race, it remains unclear whether pre-existing conditions or external factors like the heat played a role in his sudden passing.
The heat was a major concern for many participants in the 2024 Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon. Graves’ own worries about the high temperatures were evident in his social media posts leading up to the event, and his untimely death has drawn attention to the potential risks athletes face when competing in extreme weather conditions.
Graves' posts also highlighted his passion for Disney, with his TikTok videos showing his excitement for the event despite the challenges. “Disney Halloween Half Marathon Weekend is here! 🎃” he had shared enthusiastically just before the race.
Though his life was tragically cut short, Caleb Graves left a lasting impact on his followers and the Disney community. In addition to his content creation on TikTok, he was a writer, director, screenwriter, and producer, showcasing his diverse talents in various creative fields.
His debut poetry collection, which he had been promoting leading up to his passing, further demonstrated his passion for the arts. Graves had used his platform to inspire and entertain others, making his sudden death even more heartbreaking for those who followed his journey.
While the exact cause of Graves’ death is yet to be confirmed, his tragic passing has raised awareness about the importance of safety precautions during athletic events, especially in extreme weather conditions. As fans and loved ones mourn his loss, the incident has prompted questions about the role that heat and physical exertion may have played.
Sergeant Matt Sutter, who was on the scene, noted the quick response from medical personnel after Graves' collapse. “He was quickly transported to the nearby Anaheim Global Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead approximately an hour later,” Sutter said.
