By Gabrielle Russon and Katie Rice
Orlando Sentinel
ORLANDO, Fla. —The Disney 5K runner who collapsed at Epcot and died after Friday’s race has been identified as 58-year-old Mark Lockridge, a tourist from Ellis County, Texas, according to the medical examiner’s office.
He died of natural causes caused by hypertension and heart disease, the examiner’s office said.
He collapsed on a bridge in front of the restrooms by the Imagination with Figment attraction, said Eyrka Washington, a spokeswoman for Disney World’s government which handled emergency responses at the parks. He appeared to have collapsed past the first mile-marker, according to the map of the 3.1-mile course.
Reedy Creek paramedics were at the race, riding bikes, so they responded quickly, Washington said.
The man was taken to AdventHealth Celebration.
The temperature on race day was 75 degrees at 6 a.m., according to the National Weather Service.
“We are deeply saddened by this heartbreaking loss, and our thoughts and sympathies remain with the runner’s family and loved ones throughout this difficult time,” Andrea Finger, a spokeswoman for Walt Disney World Resort, said in a statement late Friday.
Finger did not provide additional details Monday.
The man’s death occurred during a weekend of festivities for the Disney Wine & Dine running events that attracted thousands to the theme parks early in the morning before they opened to the public.
It’s not the first time tragedy had occurred at Disney races.
In 2017, a runner died during the half marathon race, collapsing near the finish line.
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©2019 The Orlando Sentinel (Orlando, Fla.)