High schooler with ‘love for life’ dies after collapsing in race, Missouri officials say

A high school senior died after he collapsed at the finish line of a race in Missouri, officials say.

Race organizers of the Frog Hill Half Marathon, 10K and Leapfrog 5k in Waynesville said the runner was pronounced dead at a hospital following the Saturday, Oct. 5, race.

“The safety of our runners and walkers is our biggest concern and we assure you that this runner was treated quickly,” race organizers said.

The runner was identified by the Lebanon R-3 School District as Rudy “Junior” Zevallos, a senior at Lebanon High School. The district called the student’s death “a very difficult time” for the community.

Zevallos, who played for his school’s football team, was known for his light and kindness.

“Your love for life touched so many lives and will continue to shine in our memories,” the Lebanon football program said in a Facebook post.

He turned 18 during the summer and had enlisted into the U.S. Marine Corps “to follow in his dad’s footsteps,” according to Shannon Grayburn, Zevallos’ aunt.

Grayburn referred to her nephew as ambitious with an “amazing soul.”

Cali Zevallos, a sister of the runner, thanked people who “quickly jumped in to help” when her brother collapsed.

“No words can describe the way our family feels,” Cali Zevallos said on Facebook. “Things will never be the same.”

Lebanon is about a 55-mile drive northeast from Springfield.

This story was originally published October 7, 2024 at 3:04 PM with the headline "High schooler with ‘love for life’ dies after collapsing in race, Missouri officials say."