Teen who collapsed at Toronto Marathon had unknown heart abnormality, says dad

COXHEATH, N.S. – The father of a Cape Breton teen who collapsed at the Toronto Marathon and later died says his daughter had an undiagnosed heart abnormality.

Steve van Nostrand says the coroner informed the family Tuesday that the abnormality was the cause of the 18-year-old’s death.

Emma van Nostrand of Coxheath was nearing the finish line of her first full marathon Sunday when she collapsed.

The Grade 12 student did not regain consciousness and was taken to hospital where she was pronounced dead.

Steve van Nostrand says when the heart is under an unusual amount of stress, the abnormality can cause it to stop beating.

He says the abnormality is not genetic and would have been difficult to diagnose.