Thiel College remembers student who died while running half marathon

Toby Atwood

The Thiel College community is mourning the death of Toby Atwood, a student-athlete and campus leader, who died Sunday after collapsing during the Presque Isle Half Marathon in Erie.

Atwood, 20, of Kittanning, Pennsylvania, was described in a statement from the college as a rising senior.  

Counseling services are available to Thiel students and employees. Students may contact the Thiel College Counseling Center or the campus pastoral care office for support.  The college did not provide information on what caused Atwood's death.

Atwood was a member of the women's tennis team and held the No. 1 singles position.

"Her presence touched the lives of so many, and she will be deeply missed," Vice President for Student Life and Athletics Michael McKinney said in a message to the campus community. "During this heartbreaking time, we mourn for Toby and extend our heartfelt sympathy to her family, friends, classmates, teammates, coach, instructors, and all who knew her."

She was a co-captain of the team and served as president of Thiel College's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. In 2024, she was elected president of the Presidents' Athletic Conference SAAC. Last year, Atwood received the College’s Tomcat Award, which recognizes excellence in athletics, academics, and leadership.

Academically, Atwood was a business administration and accounting double major and maintained a 4.0 GPA. She was a recipient of a full scholarship award from the college. Atwood was inducted into Alpha Chi, a national college honor society, and Chi Eta Sigma, an honorary society for commerce.

She served as president of the Zeta Tau Alpha women’s fraternity and was involved in other academic and leadership organizations on campus.

Viewing hours are 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Friday, July 25, at Center Hill Covenant Brethren Church, 2039 Freeport Road, Kittanning, Pennsylvania. The funeral service is at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 26, at the church.