Runner Who Died in Brooklyn Half Marathon Identified as Charles Rogers, 31

A runner who died after running a half-marathon in Brooklyn on Saturday, May 17, has been identified as Charles Rogers. He was 31.

Rogers started his college football career as a defensive back at Iowa State University in 2012, before transferring to the University of Minnesota in 2015, The New York Post reports.

The University of Minnesota Gophers shared a tribute to the late football player on Instagram on Monday, May 19.

“Our hearts are broken as former Gopher Charles Rogers tragically passed over the weekend while running the Brooklyn Marathon,” the university said. “Our thoughts are with the Rogers family and all of his loved ones.”

Following an injury during the 2015 season, Rogers transferred to Lindenwood University in Missouri, which also shared a tribute to Rogers on X.

“The Lindenwood Football family mourns the loss of Ace Rogers. Our thoughts & prayers go out to his wife Sydney, his parents Teresa Jordan & Charles Rogers, and the rest of his family,” the university’s statement read.

Rogers’ sister Tiffany Bass launched a GoFundMe on Tuesday, May 20, to assist in covering funeral expenses. “As the oldest sibling, I am determined to organize a “bomb” memorial service in Charles’ hometown of Iowa City, Iowa—where he was raised, went to school, and built lifelong friendships,” Bass wrote.

Bass continued, “This memorial is for his community, for his true friends and loved ones, and especially for our grieving mother, who has been excluded during the most painful time of her life.”

Ashley Squires, Rogers’ sister-in-law, also launched a GoFundMe page in support of Rogers’ wife, Sydney Rogers. “Charlie’s sudden passing is a heartbreaking shock for everyone, especially Sydney,” Squires wrote.

“Many have reached out asking how they can support Syd during this difficult time,” Squires continued. “Beyond checking in on her and making sure she is wrapped in love, we’d love to help raise money to ease her financial burden.”

The New York Road Runners (NYRR), which organized the 13.1-mile race, previously to PEOPLE that a 31-year-old man collapsed during the race. It was his first time competing.

The runner made it about eight miles into the course when he “experienced a medical incident,” officials confirmed. NBC New York reported that the incident took place along the borough’s Ocean Parkway.

“It is with sadness and heavy hearts that we confirm the passing of one of today’s race participants,” NYRR CEO Rob Simmelkjaer said in a statement. “On behalf of the whole running community, we extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and loved ones.”

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Rogers is survived by his wife, Sydney Rogers.

“Charles put everything he had into everything he did,” Sydney told the New York Post. “While he leaves behind a wife and family that already miss him terribly, he loved being competitive and left us being 100% himself.”