A 74-year-old runner, Albert Jernigan “A.J.” Swann of St. Simons Island, Georgia, died after a vehicle entered the Florida Half Marathon course in Melbourne and struck him less than a mile into the race on February 8.
A 74-year-old runner has died after being struck by a vehicle during the Florida Half Marathon in Melbourne, Florida, police confirmed.
Albert Jernigan “A.J.” Swann, of St. Simons Island, Georgia, was hit on February 8 at the intersection of South Harbor City Boulevard and Hibiscus Boulevard, less than a mile into the race. According to Sgt. Ben Slover of the Melbourne Police Department, a vehicle “drove into the footprint of the marathon” and entered the designated race area before striking Swann.
He died from his injuries on February 16. Authorities have not released the name of the driver. The investigation remains ongoing and no arrest has been announced.
Race director Mitch Varnes, who has managed the event since 2009, called the incident tragic and said organizers were told that a vehicle had penetrated a secured section of the course.
On that part of the route, one lane was closed to traffic and marked off by cones for runners. A police officer was stationed at the intersection. According to Varnes, the race safety plan had been approved by the Florida Department of Transportation, the City of Melbourne, and professional barricade companies.
In December, organizers canceled the full marathon and modified the half marathon course due to construction. Officials said the changes did not affect safety planning.
A.J. Swann showed up to run 13.1 miles at 74, proof that endurance has no age, and that makes the loss feel even heavier.
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