ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) - Confusion led to a delayed emergency response after a 48-year-old runner collapsed and died during the March 1 Skyway 10K in the Tampa Bay area, officials said.
Justin Doyle collapsed on the northbound span of the Skyway bridge as he competed in the 10K earlier this month. There were two emergency vehicles and crews within view as bystanders rushed to help Doyle, the Tampa Bay Times reported.
But the crews each believed help had already been sent, St. Petersburg Fire Rescue Lt. Steven Lawrence told the newspaper. However the help had been sent to a wrong location.
Lawrence said his agency oversaw medical emergencies during the race and is now investigating how “everything got turned around.”
People at the race told the newspaper they were bewildered at the chaotic scene.
“It seemed like there was a huge medical presence there, just exactly for this situation,” said runner Norma Brennan.
Doyle had just passed the 5 mile mark (8046 meters) when he fell.
Witnesses told the newspaper they called 911, tried to flag down nearby rescue crews and caught the attention of a St. Petersburg motorcycle officer. Minutes passed before they decided to get help for Doyle themselves. They stopped a school bus being used to transport runners and loaded him on to it.
Race officials told the Times they “will fully and completely support” the St. Petersburg Fire Rescue’s investigation.
Doyle’s family declined to comment until the investigation is completed.
But Lea Doyle, 50, described his brother as his “best friend.”
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