A second-year medical student at Ohio State University died suddenly on Saturday during an annual Pelotonia 102-mile charity bike ride to raise funds for cancer research.
Three-time participant Mason Fisher, age 27 of Upper Arlington, collapsed 2.9 miles before the Pelotonia finish then he passed away due to a medical issue, according to the Columbus Dispatch.
According to his family, he experienced a heart-related medical issue at the 100th mile of his 102-mile ride.
Mason was described by his family in an obituary as being someone who “welcomed life and people in with open arms” and “loved everything around him.”
Pelotonia is a three-day charity event that was started to raise money for cancer research. The event involves a weekend of cycling, entertainment, and volunteer work.
The event for this year took place from the 5th to the 7th of August.
Last June, Mason announced on his Facebook account that he would be riding in his third Pelotonia.
“Every single dollar raised is invested in the brightest minds in cancer research at the James who are making cancer therapies less toxic and more effective for patients,” Mason wrote.
“For me, the fight against cancer is personal, as it is for so many others. Over the past few years, I’ve seen how cancer diagnoses have affected my family and friends. I’ve seen them fight back, and have some winning days and some losing days. And I’ve seen how the James is leading the way on improving these outcomes. It makes it THAT much more important for me to do my small part.”
“According to Fisher’s Pelotonia fundraising profile, he was participating in the ride in honor of his friend who passed away in May 2021 after his battle with colorectal cancer,” Columbus Dispatch reported. ”
At the time of this writing, Fisher raised more than $28,000 for cancer research.”
Pelotonia’s CEO, Doug Ulman, released a statement following Mason’s passing. Read the statement below:
Yesterday we suffered a tremendous loss. Mason Fisher, a three-time Pelotonia rider and active member of our community, experienced a medical event while participating in the 102-mile ride and later passed away. It is with profound sorrow that we share this tragedy with you today.
Mason was a beloved member of the Team Buckeye – Spin Doctors Peloton as well as The Ohio State University. His giving spirit and dedication to helping others were evident to all and this loss affects the entire Pelotonia community.
Ohio State University President Kristina M. Johnson shares in our grief, saying “We are heartbroken by the loss of Mason, who was selflessly riding in Pelotonia to help cancer patients – a cause he was personally connected to. The death of a student impacts the entire Buckeye Family and I know that all of us send our deepest expressions of sympathy to his parents, family, and friends.”
On behalf of Pelotonia, we also extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched, and we grieve with them during this time.
Our leadership team has been in contact with Mason’s family, and we have offered our steadfast support to them. With Mason and his family in our hearts, we will observe a moment of silence at the beginning of our rides this morning and carry him with us in the days to come.
A vigil was held in memory of Mason Fisher. Watch the video below:
