A 28-year-old Army veteran from California, Scottie Williams, died moments after completing a half-marathon in San Diego. He collapsed near a water station shortly after finishing the Silver Strand Veterans Day Half Marathon on Sunday. Medics tried to save him for nearly 90 minutes, but he did not survive, The New York Post reported.
His mother, Katherine Yglesias-Herrera, said she cannot understand how her athletic son died so suddenly. Williams had run several half-marathons before and appeared strong and healthy. The family now waits for autopsy results.
Two days before the race, Williams showed his mother his new apartment during a FaceTime call. He told her he planned to “secretly marry” his girlfriend, Bree Rivera, who had been waiting at the finish line.
Williams served in Korea and Syria as a transport driver. After returning from Syria, he struggled with PTSD and received an 80% disability rating from the Department of Veterans Affairs. With time and support, he rebuilt his life. He worked at a ski resort, lived outdoors for a while, and finally moved to San Diego, a place his mother said helped him heal.
He found peace near the beach, joy with Rivera, and a life he loved. On Thursday, his body returned to Ridgecrest. Police, veterans, and residents lined the streets with American flags. A GoFundMe campaign has raised over $20,000. His funeral will take place next weekend.
His mother wants the world to remember him as “amazing” and one of the “best people” she knew.
