Ryan Shay Dies at Olympic Marathon Trials in New York City - Shay, pictured below, collapsed at the five-mile mark due to an undiagnosed heart problem and Ryan was pronounced dead at Lenox Hill Hospital a short time later.
“We have absolutely tragic news confirmed that Ryan Shay passed away today,” said Mary Wittenberg, the CEO of New York Road Runners.
Ryan Shay collapsed without warning near East 75th Street in Manhattan, which around the five-mile mark in the race.
Shay was married July 7, 2007 to Alicia Craig, who is also a professional distance runner. They met at the 2005 New York City marathon.
Alicia Craig was a star distance runner at Stanford University:
“We ask you to join us in extending our very deepest condolences to Alicia, to Ryan’s family, and the Notre Dame running community,” Wittenberg said. “It’s certainly not the way we expected any part of the race to go.”
“My thoughts and prayers just go out to them and their family,” said Olympic Marathon Trials winner Ryan Hall, who is good friends with Alicia. “It’s a sad thing.”
Ryan Shay was the 2003 U.S. marathon champion and graduated from Notre Dame in 2002, earning All-American honors nine times. He was a favorite to make the Olympic team at the 2004 marathon trials, but suffered a hamstring strain and finished 23rd.
Ryan winning 2003 US Marathon:
Shay finished third at this year’s U.S. 25K championships and was said to be in the best running shape of his life. Ryan was born in Ypsilanti, Michigan and trained in Flagstaff, Arizona.
And that’s the sad news about the death of US Olympic Trials marathon runner, Ryan Shay.
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November 3rd, 2007 at 5:46 pm
So very sorry at this loss.What a tragic waste of a life. There is more to life than running. The Bible says that ‘bodily exercise profits little’. Let’s all find meaning in life other than running and NEVER going anywhere !
November 3rd, 2007 at 6:25 pm
As a christian, I am disappointed at the comment of mike frazier at this time. I think that the response could have been more senstive.
November 3rd, 2007 at 6:30 pm
He died doing what he loved. Nothing wrong with that!
November 3rd, 2007 at 7:01 pm
Mr. Frazier apparently does not understand how hurtful comments like these are to Alicia Shay and her family.If there is a god , he is profoundly sad at the death of a young man that dedicated his life to healthy living. Mr frazier and many others should try to emulate the dedication Ryan Shay has shown us.
November 3rd, 2007 at 7:55 pm
For people with undetectable heart defects, being an elite athlete may make it surface earlier than it would have otherwise. To suggest that people should not do any exercise or sport — because most of them cause injuries — overlooks the fact that for most people who do sport, it enhances both their health, longevity, and the joy they have while they are alive.
Nearly all sports are safer and healthier at recreational levels but that’s not going to stop any athlete who has the talent to be one of the best in the world, to pursue what they do best.
This incident is shocking for the runner’s family and friends, but for the runner himself, well, he probably barely knew what was happening, and he went out doing what he loved to do.
November 3rd, 2007 at 8:23 pm
God bless him and his family!! He lived an amazing life within such a short period!! He found the love of his life: his wife and his career!!
November 3rd, 2007 at 9:02 pm
I was sadden to hear of Ryan Shay’s death. As a graduate of Notre Dame, I am sure he acknowledged that his talent to compete in track was a God given gift. What an inspiring young man he was. All of us should use our talents with the same dedication.
November 4th, 2007 at 9:32 am
God Bless Ryan Shay and Family, I am sure Ryan Shay had many a spiritual peacefulness on his long training runs that those who choose not to run will never experience. Another Runner, Ryan Hall, a minister’s son seems to be in touch and enjoying his faith as an elite athlete, God Bless Ryan Shay and Family.
November 4th, 2007 at 11:18 am
Ryan Shay died while doing what he loved doing most. What an enviable way to go. But what a shock for his family. My sincere sympathy goes to all those who loved him…
November 4th, 2007 at 11:44 am
Being a Christian athlete I struggle at times with balance and I am familiar with the profits little quote…. still….very poor timing Mike….God has blessed him with talent and desire….should they put it under a lampstand?
Here is a guote from Ryan Hall: I admit that sometimes I get things out of perspective, but I really do try and run to make God smile and to bring Him pleasure. My favorite times in running are when I am running and just pouring myself out on the track, going all out for Him. I feel like I am doing what God created me to do. There is no better feeling than that.
November 4th, 2007 at 1:09 pm
As a 50 yr. old female marathon runner, I know what peace there is in running and what it brings to your soul. Ryan was an elite runner who did what brought him joy in his soul. There is a certain communion with God when you are running and I’m sure Ryan had his conversations with God on his runs. There would be peace for me to go doing something that brought me as close to God as running does. God bless Ryan, Alicia and his family. There is competition in any sport but no sport that has the closeness of community as distance running does. God bless those who mourn Ryan today.
November 4th, 2007 at 1:10 pm
Shame on you, Mike. You disgrace the Christian community with your unkind remarks.
November 4th, 2007 at 1:59 pm
I knew Ryan when he was just a kid. Him and his brother and sisters were all really great on the track and field team in little Central Lake, Michigan. It was a shock to see that come across the A.P. wire. Thoughts and Prayers to his family and wife.
November 4th, 2007 at 2:11 pm
Ryan’s name is well-known to we running fans in the UK. May he have eternal rest. Deepest condolences to all his fanily and friends.
November 4th, 2007 at 2:38 pm
We the people of Flagstaff send our sorrows to the Shay family and Alicia. Our community will miss you.
November 4th, 2007 at 5:36 pm
Always sad to see the young go so unexpectedly. Praise God for hos life and he left an example for Christians too. Healthy living pleases God. Shame on you Mike
November 4th, 2007 at 9:18 pm
no i doubt the bible says that . In fact I’ve read the bible backwards and forwards and I know God loves active bodies !
(Mike Frazier Says:
November 3rd, 2007 at 5:46 pm
So very sorry at this loss.What a tragic waste of a life. There is more to life than running. The Bible says that ‘bodily exercise profits little’. Let’s all find meaning in life other than running and NEVER going anywhere !)
First off HOW DARE YOU BELITTLE AN ATHLETE FOR TREATING HIS BODY AS A TEMPLE, FOR WHICH GOD INTENDED AND THEN INSULT THIS ATHLETE’S WIFE, FAMILY AND FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES .
I am not an elite runner but I am a runner just the same, I don’t run other than to save myself from watching a grandmother become sedentary and just WASTE her life knitting and reading, and my father dying of larynx cancer. Those are wasted lives. And you are a wasted life Mike Frazier !
That man and his family and friends and running community do what God intended with our /their bodies . THEY EXERCISED THEM, THEY USED THEIR BODIES FOR WHICH IT WAS INTENDED . TREAT YOUR BODY WITH RESPECT (other than the unnatural abuses you put yours through)
I pray for the running community and the Shays and the Halls. Congratulations to Ryan Hall for his marathon win and his eligibility into the Beijing Olympics.
GOD BLESS RYAN SHAY ! MAY GOD ACCEPT THIS EXCEPTIONAL SOUL INTO HIS HEAVEN AND KEEP HIM AT PEACE . HE DIED DOING WHAT HE LOVED BEST.
November 4th, 2007 at 9:28 pm
I was so looking forward to this marathon ! I was devastated to read that an elite runner I’ve been reading about had collapsed into the 5th mile. And it being Ryan Shay !! He’s plastered all over my Runners World magazine in ads as a “workhorse” ..
He’s 28 !!!
I pray for his wife. She must be devastated.
To all you athletes elite or penguins !! God Bless you for getting up every day and connecting in your own way with God by RUNNING !!!
November 4th, 2007 at 9:51 pm
Has anyone investigated the possible link between the horrible botched dental surgery he had a few years ago and this “heart ” condition…????Hmmmmm.
November 4th, 2007 at 10:54 pm
I have a heart condition that causes sudden death under cardiac stress or even randomly- it’s called LQTS, or romano-ward syndrome. This quite possibly is what he had. I woke up, read this news, and a chill went down my spine. Every time I hear about an athlete collapsing and dying without notice or warning I know that could happen to me.
“Marilyn”, please get some sensitivity. These heart conditions DO exist and they are far more common than people think. Ordinary citizens collapse and die suddenly under normal conditions- we just don’t make the news. It’s an electrical problem and most times it cannot be controlled.
Dental surgery doesn’t cause heart problems, and dental surgery doesn’t cause sudden cardiac arrest without warning. People like you are the people who blame these kinds of deaths on completely unrelated things, or even blame the victims by say they were using drugs.
Educate yourself.. this is all I’m going to say. I’m restraining myself from what I actually want to say.
In case Alicia or any of Ryan’s family or friends read this, know that we are so sorry for your loss and it has reminded all of the arrythmia community, too, of our own mortality.
November 5th, 2007 at 12:18 am
I was shocked to hear the news on the radio. I was a graduate of Central Lake High School. I helped coach Track and Field after Graduating. I knew the family and I wish them only the best in the time to come.
November 5th, 2007 at 12:40 am
What a sad day for Alicia and Ryan’s family. We ALL lost a REMARKABLE YOUNG MAN in such a tragic way. Our most sincere condolences goes out to all those who loved him. To have followed his amazing career as an elite runner…..I truly feel blessed. GOD knows that he has a million dollar man under his wings and GOD will guide his spirit in peace. Thank you for all you acheived Ryan and may you have eternal rest! We will miss you!
November 5th, 2007 at 8:28 am
My heart goes out to Ryan’s wife and family. I graduated from Central Lake and have watched Ryan’s running progress with a speed that has never ceased to amaze me. I ran track with his older brother and sister and have frequently seen the Shay kids, Ryan included, running past my parent’s house on six mile lake. All of the articles I have read and the pictures I have seen, show a man who loved life and was the picture of health. God bless him and his loved ones.
November 5th, 2007 at 9:20 am
They should be little more careful allowing people with previous heart conditions like Ryan, in such events . It is a very sad thing, our hearts goes out to his wife and rest of his family…
November 5th, 2007 at 11:21 am
Shame on you Mike - what an insane look at a quote from the bible. I do not believe it is any christian right to judge anyone or anything lets leave that up to God.
As a marathoner my heart goes out to Alicia & Ryan’s family. What a sad thing for such a young, vibrant athlete. My thoughts and prayers are with all of them.
November 5th, 2007 at 1:28 pm
mike wow i cant belive you have the guts to say who does that
as a runner my heart goes out to shays friends and family
November 5th, 2007 at 5:53 pm
I am a Christian and a marathoner from Michigan. You won’t find a more classy family than the Shays. Shame on Mike Frazier for misquoting the Bible to defend his misconceptions. Grow up and have some sensitivity. God bless the Shay family! God have mercy on Mike Frazier.
November 5th, 2007 at 9:48 pm
Ryan Shay is a Champion. He died because he is a champion and push the envolope. I admire that. He is a hero to me! As for all these Christians ranting- Drop it. This isn’t about religion, it’s about heoism and courage. I do agree though, Mike F. is a tool.
November 5th, 2007 at 11:35 pm
I went to high school with Ryan Shay. I was very close to his younger brother. This news comes as a complete shock to myself and our entire community. The whole town is in mourning this week, and will continue to be for a very long time. Thank you to everyone who continues to show support, and please continue to pray for the family. This is one of the hardest things they will probably ever have to deal with.
November 5th, 2007 at 11:51 pm
I met Ryan while running with his older brother, Casey, at Hillsdale College. Granted, Ryan was still in high school but I couldn’t help admire him. I loved the beginnings — coming from such a small town (Central Lake), a class D school and training in northern Michigan - not the greatest training conditions, especially in the winter! But, it is that type of environment that tends to develop individuals with true heart and dedication. He certainly had the competitive drive to be the best!
I have read Ryan’s journal online as he made the journey to train in the altitude of the Sierra Nevada. I think that he had more than the competitive drive, he had the spiritual essence of running. He was living his dream. And, like a long, easy run on a crisp autumn day, full of the fresh smells and changing leaves, Ryan is running on. Running one of those fall runs that you hope never ends!
To the Shay family — I am very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
warren johnson
November 6th, 2007 at 12:38 am
I am horribly saddened at the loss of this athlete. Being an ER physician, I have seen more than enough of unexplained sudden cardiac death, with or without physical activity. I would love for it to be mandatory for all a thletes competing in sports from the high school level up through the professional ranks, to receive Echocardiograms and EP (electro-physiology) studies as a screening tool. One life saved would be worth the cost.
November 6th, 2007 at 2:18 am
My prayers of comfort go to Alicia and Ryan’s family. I don’t even know Ryan - but my son is a runner and I can’t imagine the shock and grief that his wife and parents are going through. I do believe that Ryan is with his Heavenly Father and the ones left on earth can take comfort in that knowledge.
November 6th, 2007 at 5:14 am
Frazier believes having a 4.0 in college, being a good husband, or working hard and becoming a champion at something are all sins because Frazier will never achieve any of that.
Frazier feels that by demeaning Shay it raises him above this amazing individual. Frazier is most likely still living at home, sponging off the parents, smoking cigarettes and collecting welfare. Surely God will look the other way from this hypocrite.
But God has looked at, smiled upon, and taken our best to be with him and to remind us how far we have to go.
Remember the best who have shown us the way.
November 6th, 2007 at 4:52 pm
You know someone must be very special when you hear about this amazing runner Ryan Shay’s tragic death. Never knowing who he was or his accomplihments how I was touched so deeply… This feeling certainly tells me this loving man must have shined brightly while he was with us. My heartfelt sorrow and blessings to the entire Shay family
November 7th, 2007 at 5:12 am
About Mike Frazier,I guess that he is a Witness of Jehovah. So,no surprise about his words!!
My deepest condolences to his wife and his family! Also from Italy,I admired and will think of Ryan Shay forever!!
November 7th, 2007 at 8:22 am
why are we responding to Frazier’s blog entry? it’s people like him who just want to get a rize out of people out of times of grief. Ryan was a great person, and people just need to remember that.
November 8th, 2007 at 11:32 pm
My prayer is that the Lord would bless Ryan’s family right now and give them that peace that “passes all understanding”.
November 14th, 2007 at 5:37 am
Ryan really seemed like a good guy.
I admire his hard work and he was able to accomplish more than most people living twice his age, his family has a lot to be proud of.
**Don’t assume because a person uses a bible snippet they are a Christian, from the tenor of his post he doesn’t know Christ personally.
God bless the Shay family with peace.
November 15th, 2007 at 3:30 pm
I personally know Ryan, his brothers, sisters, and parents. My own children grew up in the same small town, Central Lake, MI. Ryan was the ultimate athlete in all areas. His life demonstrated what life could be for anyone in any field. Ryan’s leadership qualities of being: focused, committed, determined, supportive, positive, considerate, confident, devoted, and most of all growing in God’s grace will never be forgotten. May Ryan rest in peace and his family find comfort in knowing that others loved Ryan.
November 16th, 2007 at 12:30 am
A sad day and an insensitive comment by Mike Frazier. Doesn’t the bible teach you that if you can’t say anything nice, then don’t say anything at all? Running isn’t just about “bodily profit” so to speak. People run for a myriad of reasons, only some of which include better health and well-being. This young man died tragically young, but at least he died doing what he loved. May his spirit continue to run, feel the wind against his face and the endorphins coursing through his blood.
November 19th, 2007 at 9:27 am
As Eric Liddel (the real person depicted in Chariots of Fire) said: “When I run, I feel His pleasure”. Ryan, you run with the angels.
“To An Athlete, Dying Young” by A.E. Housman
The time you won your town the race
We chaired you through the market-place;
Man and boy stood cheering by,
And home we brought you shoulder-high.
To-day, the road all runners come,
Shoulder-high we bring you home,
An set you at your threshold down,
Townsman of a stiller town.
Smart lad, to slip betimes away
From fields where glory does not stay,
And early though the laurel grows
It withers quicker than the rose.
Eyes the shady night has shut
Cannot see the record cut,
And silence sounds no worse than cheers
Afer earth has stopped the ears:
Now you will not swell the rout
Of lads that wore their honours out,
Runners whom renown outran
And the name died before the man.
So set, before its echoes fade,
The fleet foot on the sill of shade,
And hold to the low lintel up
The still-defended challenge-cup.
And round that early-laurelled head
Will flock to gaze the strengthless dead,
And find unwithered on its curls
The garland briefer than a girl’s.
November 21st, 2007 at 10:00 am
I remember Ryan Shay from high school XC in Michigan. I was running for Jonesville and he was at Central Lake. The guy was a legend, I remember seeing him at the state finals and he had this massive throng of people around him, all looking up to him. Our coach would always say stuff like “you’ll never catch Shay running like that.” It was sort of a motivational thing, trying to get us to push it to the limit. I never really heard of him again after high school until now. It’s so very sad.
November 27th, 2007 at 9:30 pm
After reading through the 42 comments posted above, I hope that one day Alicia and Ryan Shay’s family may find an opportunity to read these postings and feel comforted that so many people (many of whom did not know Ryan or his family) were deeply affected by the death of Ryan.
God has a plan for each one of us. As life is short, live each day as if it were your last.
Alicia and The Shay Family, may you maintain strength and faith as you deal with the loss of your loved one. May you also feel comforted that Ryan died “living his dream”. He’s surely happy in heaven as he waits for you to join him someday.
December 1st, 2007 at 12:01 pm
Spoken like an ignorant fool.
Waist of life? How could your life be anymore meaningful by making judgements like that?
First of all…..you know nothing about his life, where he came from, and what he became.
You know nothing about his trials growing up.
You overlooked the obvious impact Ryan has made on millions of people around the world. That’s worth something.
December 1st, 2007 at 12:06 pm
Warren what’s up bro?
You still listening to marching band music?
December 25th, 2007 at 11:22 am
Ryan did what he loved. More power to people who do what they love.
There is a woman in my town who doesn’t have hands or feet. She is an inspiration. Her two young daughters walk by her wheelchair side.
People who trudge on in spite of their handicaps or challenges are awesome and inspirations to people who choose to just make excuses.
More power to Ryan Shay and and I’m sure his family is smiling at the knowledge that Ryan never gave up on his dream.
January 25th, 2008 at 1:44 pm
To Alicia and the family of Ryan Shay.Here it is months since the passing of this great warrior,Ryan. He epitomized the way of the champion in all he did,and how he was. The story about him in the February issue of RW was a tribute to his character, his spirit and his soul. He seemed to play,live and compete with heart, much like another fallen warrior of my generation, Steve Prefontaine whom Ryan had the greatest respect for. I have spent a good deal of my life as a competitive runner, coach and sports psychologist, writing several books on the subject form what I learned from athletes like Ryan. There is something very special about the running athletes I have been fortunate to meet and I sense that Ryan was one of these special people. I read that story to my 17 year old son who is a dedicated runner and I know he will take Ryans spirit with him to the track on his next workout…as will I. I only wish I had the chance to meet him as that would have improved my life exponentially. I know that from this crisis,opportunity is born for many of us to live each day and love those in our lives. Blessings , love and much chi to you. Jerry Lynch