Former Football Star Dies During Grand Rapids 25k Run
GRAND RAPIDS (WWJ/AP) - A former university football star participating in a marathon race died after collapsing on the course Saturday.
The man racing in the 25k River Bank Run in Grand Rapids was pronounced dead at Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital, reports the Grand Rapids Press.
Grand Valley State University spokesman Tim Nott is confirming that the runner who collapsed and died is former GVSU football star Jason Kinzler, reports WZZM13.com.
Officers and River Bank Run officials say the man collapsed about 11 a.m. Police and paramedics performed CPR but the man didn't regain consciousness.
Runner Cliff Ensing of Grand Rapids tells the newspaper he saw about five rescuers working frantically on the man. Ensing says several other runners collapsed near the end of the race, but their conditions did not appear as serious.
The 2011 River Bank Run attracted more than 20,000 participants on Saturday.
Race medical team chief Dr. Ed Kornoelje says eight to 10 people were taken to the hospital Saturday. Most complained of chest pain or dehydration.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
