Tragedy has struck the Peak to Peak cross country community once again.
Pumas athletic director Peter Chandler confirmed on Sunday night that Ed McConnell, the husband of cross country and track coach Kim McConnell, passed away on Saturday after collapsing while on a neighborhood run in Lafayette.
The news comes just 16 months after Peak to Peak’s cross country programs dealt with the untimely passing of junior team captain Brandon Ries, who also collapsed during an in-season competition in September of 2016.
According to Chandler, Ed McConnell was found unresponsive by a neighbor who happened to be a nurse, and that neighbor tried to resuscitate Mr. McConnell and contact emergency services. He was transported to a local hospital where he was declared deceased.
“It’s strange and sad to see this same cross country community coming together to grieve once again, and it’s just far too soon it seems,” said Chandler, who also attends Calvary Bible Church with the McConnell’s.
Chandler believed Mr. McConnell to be in his early 50’s and while he had no direct relationship with Peak to Peak Charter in an official standing, he was known by the cross country and track teams by association. The McConnell’s still have a daughter, Quinn, who attends the school as a junior.
Chandler said there was a large gathering at the McConnell’s last night, and many of the Peak to Peak runners and their families were there to give all their support to the family.
“The family’s faith is strong,” Chandler said. “Kim knows and believes that through her faith she’ll get through this.
“The school administration will get together on Tuesday morning to see how we can reach out to the family and to the Peak to Peak community, as well.”
Adam Dunivan: dunivana@dailycamera.com or twitter.com/AdamDunivan24
