Heatwave in NY: A 30-year-old dies at finish line during Brooklyn Half Marathon

Officials in New York say a 30-year-old man who was crossing the finish line at the Brooklyn Half Marathon collapsed and died on Saturday morning. According to fire department spokeswoman Frank Dwyer, the runner was taken to a local hospital and pronounced dead.

The cause of the runner's fall was unknown, while the nonprofit New York Road Runners stated it occurred after the man finished the race.

"Our thoughts and condolences go out to the runner's family and friends,"

said publicist Trina Singian.

Medical personnel had been stationed across the race course, according to Singian. Meteorological conditions were also checked with local officials and weather specialists prior to and throughout the race. During the race, which started at 7 a.m., Singian claimed the temperature fluctuated from the mid 60s to the high 70s.

A heat advisory was in force throughout New York City until 8 p.m on Saturday, warning that hot temperatures and heavy humidity could cause heat illnesses. As of lunchtime in Brooklyn, temperatures had above 80 degrees Fahrenheit (26.7 degrees Celsius).

The Saturday half-marathon, which was sold out for the first time in three years, was expected to draw over 22,000 runners from Prospect Park to the Coney Island boardwalk.

The New York Fire Department reported that 16 persons were rushed to the hospital as a result of the incident on Saturday morning. Five were in critical condition, eight were suffering from non-life threatening injuries, and four were suffering from minor injuries.