Pittsburgh-Area College Student Collapses, Dies During Half-Marathon

PITTSBURGH, PA — A Pittsburgh-area college student collapsed and died Sunday during the Presque Isle Half-Marathon in Erie.

Toby Atwood, of Kittanning, Armstrong County, was a student at Thiel College. She was a rising senior, a member of the women's tennis team and a campus leader.

A cause of death has not been disclosed.

“Her presence touched the lives of so many, and she will be deeply missed,” Thiel Vice President for Student Life and Athletics Michael McKinney said in a statement.

“During this heartbreaking time, we mourn for Toby and extend our heartfelt sympathy to her family, friends, classmates, teammates, coach, instructors, and all who knew her.”

A business administration and accounting double major and a recipient of one of the College’s full scholarship awards, she maintained a 4.0 GPA. Atwood was inducted into Alpha Chi, the National College Honor Society, which recognizes students in the top 5 percent of their class.

She was also recently inducted into Chi Eta Sigma, the honorary society for commerce. Atwood served as president of the Zeta Tau Alpha women’s fraternity and was actively involved in many academic and leadership organizations across campus.

In athletics, Atwood held the number one singles position on the women’s tennis team and was a team co-captain. She served as president of Thiel College’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and was elected president of the Presidents’ Athletic Conference SAAC in 2024. She received the
College’s Tomcat Award last year for excellence in athletics, academics, and leadership.

A GoFundMe page has been established to help cover funeral expenses. Funeral arrangements have not been finalized.