45-year-old man dies while returning home after finishing London Marathon

The London Marathon official page released an official statement this Wednesday announcing the sudden death of Steve Shanks, a 45-year-old man who raced and finished in less than 3 hours.

According to the note in question, Shanks, “a very experienced athlete who has already run several marathons,” was driving home last Sunday, the 23rd, when he collapsed and ended up dying.

The cause of death, the same source says, “will be determined later in the course of medical examinations.”

Jessica, Steve’s wife, was “shocked and devastated,” adding that the athlete’s death happened “suddenly and unexpectedly.”

After Steve’s death was announced, tributes to the marathon runner multiplied. In memory of Steve, a fundraising page for the Multiple Sclerosis Society was created, as this case was close to the athlete.

In just 14 hours, 2,000 pounds (about 2,230 euros) were collected from the planned 2,500 pounds (about 2,787 euros). BBC news.

Read the statement in full:

“All participants in the London Marathon were deeply saddened to learn of the sudden death of Steve Shanks, who was returning home on 23 April after running the marathon.

Steve, who was 45 years old and lived in Bingham, Nottingham, was a very experienced athlete who had already run several marathons and finished the race on Sunday in 2:53:26 hours.

All those involved in the organization of the event express their deepest condolences to Steve’s wife, family and friends.

In memory of Steve, a fundraiser for the Multiple Sclerosis Society was launched.

The cause of death will be determined later in the course of medical examinations.

The family has asked for confidentiality and, at their request, no details will be made public.”