A runner who suffered a medical emergency last Saturday at the Crescent City Classic has died, according to organizers.
Crescent City Classic organizers say Chase Morgan suffered a cardiac arrest on the course.
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him. The Crescent City Classic community is strong, and in moments like this, we come together to support one another,” according to a statement from the Crescent City Classic.
St. Philip Neri Catholic Church issued a statement on Chase Morgan:
“It is with great sorrow that I inform you Chase Morgan has passed away. Chase is the father of Parker Morgan (ELC) and Eloise who will be in the incoming ELC class this August. He and his wife Courtney regularly attend the 9AM Mass on Sunday and have always provided the parish with such a beautiful witness of faith and family. On Holy Saturday Chase ran in the Crescent City Classic and at the third mile he went into cardiac arrest. He received immediate medical attention and was rushed to UMC where he received the best possible care. However, despite the wonderful efforts of the many incredible medical professionals who cared for him, Chase’s body was unable to recover from this cardiac event.
Courtney, as well as Chase’s family, are so grateful to the many many people who have been there for them and they are incredibly moved and overwhelmed by the outpouring of love, support, and prayers they have received during this trying time. Thank you to the amazing medical team and to all of you who have been reaching out, offering prayers and Masses, and sending gift cards and financial support. This is who we are at SPN – we know how to take care of our members in need and we will never abandon them. Courtney has asked us for continued prayers and support. I promised her that she, Parker, and Eloise will always be taken care of – we will always surround them with love and support. In the weeks and months and years to come, please join me in showing Courtney that she is not alone and will never be alone.
We do not understand the will of God. There are many tragedies in this life that simply have no answer. It is ok for us to ask questions, to experience great sorrow, and even to be angry. God has permitted this to happen and therefore He will provide the grace we need to move through it. Even though our hearts are broken, we must remember our school theme for this year: “I love you Lord, MY STRENGTH.” He asks for our trust and promises to be our strength. It is not a coincidence that God chose to call Chase home during the holiest time of the year – the Easter Octave. This is the height of the very season in which we proclaim the victory of Christ over death. Jesus Christ is our only hope – He will be our light in this present darkness. Jesus, we trust in you!
Eternal Father, we ask the grace of your mercy for Chase and we pray that he is safely home with you in heaven. We pray for Courtney, Parker, Eloise, for Chase’s parents and siblings, and all those who love him, may they know your presence and nearness in their time of greatest need and may we be your hands and feet and voice to care for them. One day, may all of us rise again in Your Son Jesus Christ, who is the Resurrection and the Life…
In the days to come, we will be sending out information about Chase’s services and additional ways our community will be responding to support the Morgan family. Please keep Chase and his beautiful family in your prayers and remember to keep reaching out! I love you all very much and I am so grateful for you and so proud of our SPN family.”
A fundraiser has been set up to help the family.
READ MORE:Crescent City Classic runner dies after suffering cardiac arrest on course
