A college football program is saddened by the death of a former player during a marathon over the weekend.
A former college football player, aged 31, collapsed and died during the Brooklyn Half Marathon on Saturday, May 17. The ex-college football player was at Mile 8 when he collapsed, went into cardiac arrest and died. He was rushed to the hospital, but he couldn’t be saved. New York Road Runners, which put on the race, confirmed the tragic passing.
“It is with sadness and heavy hearts that we confirm the passing of one of today’s race participants,” New York Road Runners Chief Communications and Community Coordinator Crystal Howard said.
“On behalf of the whole running community, we extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and loved ones.”
The 31-year-old man who died is a former college football player, named Charles “Ace” Rogers.
The Lindenwood Football family mourns the loss of Ace Rogers. Our thoughts & prayers go out to his wife Sydney, his parents Teresa Jordan & Charles Rogers, and the rest of his family. pic.twitter.com/yVPg6DzaXz
— Lindenwood Football (@LindenwoodFB) May 18, 2025
Derik Abbott, a coach at Lindenwood, is deeply saddened by Ace’s passing.
“Charles Rogers and I came to Lindenwood as transfers. Ace was a great leader and person on and off the field. My prayers are with him and his family. Life is far too short. Appreciate the moments and people you get to share life with,” he wrote.
Charles Rogers and I came to Lindenwood as transfers. Ace was a great leader and person on and off the field. My prayers are with him and his family. Life is far too short. Appreciate the moments and people you get to share life with. pic.twitter.com/EO6rv9Uw6x
— Derik Abbott (@CoachDAbbott3) May 18, 2025
Ace’s wife is deeply saddened, as well.
“Charles put everything he had into everything he did,” his wife told the New York Post. “While he leaves behind a wife and family that already miss him terribly, he loved being competitive and left us being 100% himself.”
Mario Tama/Getty Images
Our thoughts are with his friends and family members during this difficult time.
May he rest in peace.
