John Meise, a 36-year-old Waukesha resident, died after collapsing during the Milwaukee Lakefront Half Marathon on Sunday, Oct. 4, according to the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office. Meise was taken to a hospital and later pronounced dead. A weather camera captured first responders placing him on a stretcher near the north end of the Hoan Bridge shortly after 10 a.m. A runner told local television station WISN they saw him receiving medical attention near the course’s 13-mile mark. “He was literally the best dad, and husband and best to everyone in his world,” family spokesperson Stacy Horneck said. She said Meise loved doing things with his family and described him as funny, intelligent and talented. Race organizers said the death was the first in the event’s 44-year history involving someone who had participated. They expressed condolences and said the race has medical and emergency-response plans coordinated with medical and public-safety partners, including on-course medical support and communications procedures. The cause of Meise’s death was not included in the information released by the medical examiner. The loss has left his family grieving and has prompted organizers to recognize the first responders, medical staff and volunteers who supported participants during race weekend.