College Runner Dies After Mid-Race Cardiac Arrest

A collegiate cross country meet over the weekend became the scene of a tragedy after a runner collapsed during the event and died shortly afterward. 

According to WMGT, 23-year-old cross-country runner Nefertari Holston of Dothan, Alabama suffered a cardiac arrest while competing at the MGA/Julius Johnson Invitational meet at Middle George State University in Macon, Georgia on Sept. 21. She was taken to Atrium Health Navicent hospital and pronounced dead at 10 a.m.

Holston's death has left a community in mourning. Wesleyan College spokesperson Drew Davidson addressed her death in a statement in WMGT. 

“Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends during this difficult time,” the college's spokesperson said. "This student has been a vibrant part of our campus, and this loss will no doubt impact us all. We are providing counseling services to our students, and we encourage anyone to reach out. We ask you to respect our students and our community’s privacy as we grieve and come to terms with this loss."

Authorities will conduct an autopsy to confirm Holston's cause of death, according to WGXA. A moment of silence for Holston was held during Mercer University's game against The Citadel later that day in Macon. During that game, temperatures reached 93 degrees Fahrenheit, and one Mercer player suffered a medical emergency and collapsed on the field. Thankfully, he ended up "in stable condition," per a team statement.