On one of those unexplainable things of life; a tragic loss, the death of 16-year-old Cameron Gallagher over the weekend. She was a pretty 16 yr old female runner out of Richmond, VA.; who lost her life shortly after completing this weekend’s Shamrock half marathon in Virginia Beach.
The Virginia teen died on Sunday, moments after accomplishing her goal of running a 13.1 mile race. Cameron Gallagher crumpled to the ground at 9:30 a.m. after crossing the finish line at Virginia Beach’s Shamrock Half Marathon.
The Richmond girl was rushed to a local hospital, but doctors were unable to revive her heartbeat. She passed away at 11. a.m. Family members who came out to cheer for the 16-year-old girl are now coming to terms with the fact that her young life was cut so short.
She was the daughter of Grace and David Gallagher who told WRIC-TV in Richmond Monday that he hopes his daughter’s story is an inspiration for others to set goals and overcome obstacles.
Her composed father, David Gallagher 40, released the following details in his daughter’s death:
Cameron finished the race with her best friend Abby in 2:19 minutes. They trained together for 9 weeks and stuck together the entire race. Cameron finished and collapsed approximately 50 yards from the finish line. She immediately lost her heartbeat and was taken to a medical tent where numerous medical attendants attempted to help her heart regain a rhythm. 15 minutes later she was transported by ambulance to Virginia Beach General Hospital where a large team of Dr’s, Nurses and assistants worked for over 45 minutes to save Cameron’s life. Ultimately, her heart would not restart and she passed away at approximately 11am.
Her parents remained by her side the entire time. The cause of her sudden and shocking death, was not immediately revealed but its believe it to be cardiac related.
Before her death, Cameron had been organizing a 5K to promote awareness about suicide.
Cameron was a sophomore at Douglas Freeman High School, she had transferred after doing a year at St. Gertrude’s. She was an active teen who won awards for competitive swimming.
She crossed the finish line after 2 hours and 19 minutes but soon after her health noticeably declined until she lost her life. She is survived by her parents, David and Grace; brother, Andrew (18); sisters, Reilly (13), Sydney (8); and brother, Mitchell (5). Her grandfather Tom Gallagher is the longtime chief executive officer of the Better Business Bureau Serving Central Virginia.
No doubt a true inspiration. RIP
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