Teen Dies After Finishing Half-Marathon; Family Asks Public to Use Her Life as Inspiration
A Virginia teen died after finishing a half-marathon in Virginia, and her family wants her life to be an example for others and her death to spur people to live their lives to the fullest.
Cameron Gallagher, 16, managed to finish the Virginia Beach Shamrock Half Marathon with a friend, but collapsed only 50 yards from the finish line. She was then treated at the first aid tent and rushed to the local hospital, but doctors were unable to revive her.
"I went to hug her," Abby Donelson told WRIC. "We were walking away with our arms around each other and she said like, 'I'm going to pass out.' And then she just kind of went down."
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Donelson helped get her to the first aid tent, but nothing could be done for the 16-year-old athlete. A cause of death has not been released yet, but her parents suspect that it could be due to cardiac arrest. However, they are thankful for the 16 years they had with their daughter and hope that others will be inspired by Cameron's life.
"Grace and I were given a gift to be with her during her accomplishment and we were with her in the end," her father, David, told WTVR. "Please use Cameron's story as an inspiration to set goals, overcome obstacles and fight the good fight. She did that every day. It was her time to go. Her last act of life was an accomplishment. Her entire mission was to enjoy the race and accomplish something and spread that cheer on to other people."
Cameron was working to organize a 5k to promote suicide awareness. The "Speaking Up 5K" will continue on and now be held in Cameron's memory. It's a tribute to the young woman who wanted to help others and improve her own life as well.
