OTTAWA, Ontario – Cornwall native Philip Everson collapsed at the finish line during the Army Run in Ottawa on Sunday and passed away a short time later. He was 26-years-old.
Everson was a graduate of St. Lawrence Secondary School and later, the University of Waterloo.
Everson collapsed of cardiac arrest at around 11:25 a.m. and despite the best efforts by Ottawa Paramedics, they were unable to revive him. He was transported to hospital where he was declared deceased a short time later.
Philip Everson was the son of Tom and Johneen Everson and was the older brother of sister Rebecca.
“It is with great sadness that I tell you that our son Philip passed away earlier today,” reads a statement attributed to the Eversons on Facebook. “After completing his race at the Army Run he collapsed and despite the heroic efforts of many medical personnel he could not be revived. He died doing what he loved and will be missed by many. Please keep our family in your prayers.”
There was also shock expressed on social media from members of the community at Everson’s sudden passing.
“My heart breaks for Tom Everson, Johneen Everson and Rebecca, it is truly a very sad day in Cornwall today,” reads a post from Karen Torrie-Racine.
“We are extremely sad at this news. Phil did his co-op placement and volunteered with us a decade ago. Even at a young age his maturity, professionalism and technical ability stood out. Phil will be greatly missed and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time,” reads a statement from YourTV Cornwall.
Everson had been competing in the half-marathon Army Run, a 21.1 km course on Sunday. He was one of more than a dozen people treated by the Ottawa Paramedic Services, mostly for heat exhaustion.
