Thiel College Tennis Captain Dies During Pennsylvania Half Marathon

Toby Atwood, a 21-year-old college tennis player and rising senior at Thiel College in Pennsylvania, tragically passed away after collapsing during the Presque Isle Half Marathon in Erie. Atwood, who was a business administration and accounting double major maintaining a 4.0 GPA, was also the No. 1 singles player and co-captain of the women's tennis team. She was a respected campus leader, involved in honor societies such as Alpha Chi and Chi Eta Sigma, and served as president of the Zeta Tau Alpha women's fraternity. After collapsing during the race, she was rushed to UPMC Hamot Hospital, where she died; her death was determined to be cardiac-related. Thiel College and the Erie Runners Club expressed deep sorrow and extended condolences to her family and community, while the college also offered counseling services to those affected by her loss. Atwood's legacy as a talented athlete, student, and friend has left a profound impact on her college and community.