FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – An 80-year-old runner who was struck by a vehicle Sunday morning during the Michelob Ultra Half Marathon in Fort Lauderdale has died, authorities said Monday.
Fort Lauderdale police said Arthur Knochenhauer was participating in the marathon and was struck by a BMW SUV that was heading east near the end of the race.
"Typically Las Olas closes down here, and it's kind of sad to see that someone got hit," witness Anna Vento said.
Vento lives near where the accident was reported at 1750 Las Olas Blvd. and said she arrived as police had already begun investigating.
"You can literally see the person's hat right into the windshield," Vento said. "It must have been pretty bad."
Police said a black BMW drove into a closed portion of the route before hitting Knochenhauer.
Knochenhauer was taken to Broward Health North, where he died.
Knochenhauer's relatives said he was an avid runner who had participated in numerous marathons.
"Our emotions are raw and at the surface," his son, Dr. Eric Knochenhauer, said in a statement. "He was the type of individual whom made all comfortable around him. He has been a avid walker for many, many years."
The event organizers also released a statement after the tragic death, saying, "The entire 13.1 family is saddened by the loss of Arthur Knochenhauer. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to the Knochenhauer family, along with his many friends and fellow runners in the Fort Lauderdale community."
Witnesses said police were trying to figure out how the BMW got through the closed area, which was marked by traffic cones.
"Hopefully they'll do something here, because I walk down here often, and as you can see, the cars go down the street incredibly crazy down here," Vento said.
The driver, whose identity has not been released, remained at the scene after the crash.
Anyone with information about the crash is asked to call traffic homicide investigator Russell Brown at 954-828-5754. It's unclear whether the driver will face charges.