Woman collapses and dies on LA marathon finish line

Tributes have been paid to ‘amazing’ 46-year-old

Trisha-Hunt Paddock and her husband, Ryan (Trisha-Hunt Paddock / Facebook )

A woman who collapsed at the finish line of the Los Angeles Marathon has died, her family and event organisers have said.

Trisha Paddock, 46, died on Sunday after running the 13.1 mile race through Los Angeles, her family and the fire department said.

Erik Scott, of the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), said on Sunday that Ms Paddock was suffering from “a medical complaint that escalated to a witnessed cardiac arrest”, Deadline reported.

“Medical aid was quickly provided by over a dozen personnel, including LAFD Cycle Teams, and the patient was rapidly treated and transported to a local hospital,” Mr Scott said.

On a GoFundMe site, a family friend said Ms Paddock died on Sunday night after being put on life support.

“Anyone who knows Ryan, Trisha, or any of their amazing children knows that they are truly incredible people,” said Dan Combs, a family friend, on the fundraising page. “Please consider donating to this special family to assist with medical bills and other critical expenses.”

More than $54,000 (£40,000) has been raised for Ms Paddock, who was running for the Asian American Drug Abuse Program, race organisers said.

The organisation runs programs and drug abuse services for Asian-Americans in Los Angeles County.

“This is a devastating loss, and our deepest sympathies go out to her family and loved ones,” said the Los Angeles Marathon on Facebook on Wednesday.

“We would like to express our gratitude and appreciation to all the first responders, paramedics, and medical personnel who were immediately on the scene.”

The death was thought to be the first since 2007, when a 50-year-old man died.

The Independent has contacted the LAFD for comment.