Arizona State Champion Marcus Wheeler Dead After Apparent Suicide
Arizona State Champion Marcus Wheeler Dead After Apparent Suicide
Arizona State Champion Marcus Wheeler Takes His Own Life
By Brandon Miles for MileSplit
Devastating and sad news to report as Marcus Wheeler, a 2014 Arizona state cross country champion (Division 1) from Corona del Sol High School, passed away today in an apparent suicide at his high school. He was 18-years old.
Wheeler's last tweet on Tuesday morning:
there is going to be a suicide in the school right now
-- TIGERHOODSâš¡ï¸Â (@marcuswheeler69) May 12, 2015
According to Tempe police reports, Wheeler brought a gun to school where he shot and killed himself.
Wheeler was considered one of the best distance runners from the state of Arizona after claiming his very first high school state title with a 15:36 victory in the Division 1 state cross country race. Another big race moment from Wheeler came at the Desert Twilight Festival when he battled with 4:03-miler Carlos Villarreal to finish with a runner-up 5K PR time of 14:53. Wheeler had committed to run for Central Arizona College earlier this year.
Wheeler was considered one of the best distance runners from the state of Arizona after claiming his very first high school state title with a 15:36 victory in the Division 1 state cross country race. Another big race moment from Wheeler came at the Desert Twilight Festival when he battled with 4:03-miler Carlos Villarreal to finish with a runner-up 5K PR time of 14:53. Wheeler had committed to run for Central Arizona College earlier this year.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Wheeler's family, friends, teammates, coaches as well as the entire Arizona high school track and cross country community in this time of grieving and great pain.
UPDATE: Sadly, Tempe police confirm a suicide at Corona del Sol High School. School on lockdown. No students at risk. #abc15
-- ABC15 Arizona (@abc15) May 12, 2015
Arizona lost an amazing person and an amazing runner today. Love you Marcus R.I.P.
-- AZ XC Confessions (@AzXcConfessions) May 12, 2015
Prayers & condolences to the friends, family, teammates, & fellow classmates of Marcus Wheeler. So saddened by this story, Rest in Peace.
-- Jessica Tonn (@JessTonn) May 12, 2015
You have so many friends and family that love you, rest in peace Marcus wheeler
-- Sarah Wheeler (@SarahWheelah) May 12, 2015
RIP Marcus Wheeler. He was one hell of an athlete, person, and friend. One of my biggest inspirations in track ðŸ˜ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂ" pic.twitter.com/6p8uWzJL2E
-- CJ 2K (@CJWitmer_) May 12, 2015
R.I.P Marcus Wheeler. 😇ðŸÂÂÂÂÂ'ÂÂÂÂÂ🙠you'll always be remembered, NEVER forgotten. ⤠@marcuswheeler69
-- Myka (@myykaliaa) May 12, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are going out to Marcus Wheeler and his family today! The Az running community lost a great runner. Rest In Peace
-- Big Harv (@nelson_harvey) May 12, 2015
RIP to Marcus Wheeler. Incredibly sad story coming out of Arizona.
-- Jake Hurysz (@jakehurysz) May 12, 2015
Arcadia please show respect for Corona and Marcus Wheeler by wearing yellow and orange tomorrowðŸÂÂÂÂ'›
-- AHS Junior StuGo (@ahstitans) May 12, 2015
Rest in Peace my bro, you were an amazing runner and a great friend. It was an honor being able to toe the line w/you pic.twitter.com/e15gbsasim
-- Carlos Villarreal (@CVillarreal12) May 12, 2015
@marcuswheeler69 it was a joy watching u these past 4 years as your journey took u 2 a State Championship. #RIPMarcus pic.twitter.com/nRSM5gAjth
-- Run AZ Run (@RunAZRun) May 12, 2015
You had heart and guts. You were the best competitor I ran against . We will meet again. I love you man. RIP Marcus pic.twitter.com/oZSvE8xzhL
-- Tyler Day (@xcdayman42) May 12, 2015
Rest in peace to a state champion. You were an incredible runner and person and you will be missed #RIPMarcus pic.twitter.com/PotbHgFZkx
-- Ryan Wolff (@Wolff_14) May 12, 2015