By Adam Woodbrey and Gray News staff
Published: Oct. 10, 2024 at 2:45 AM CDT
LEBANON, Mo. (KY3/Gray News) - Family and friends are mourning the sudden death of an 18-year-old high school senior from Missouri who collapsed at the finish line of a half marathon. He is being remembered for his determination and loving nature.
Rudy Zevallos Jr., known as Junior, died suddenly Saturday afternoon after running the Frog Hill Half Marathon in Waynesville, Missouri. The 18-year-old high school senior had just crossed the finish line when he collapsed. He was taken to the hospital, where he later died, KY3 reports.
Zevallos' cause of death is unclear at this time, but his family said on GoFundMe that “his body temperature reached a fatal level and his heart stopped.” The Pulaski County coroner says it will be several weeks before the cause of death is determined.
Zevallos is described by his family as a “remarkable friend, student, brother, and son” who had a competitive spirit and relentless determination. He enjoyed hiking, working on his car and participating in game nights with his family.
“He loved everybody. He was very kind. He really made you feel like you were the best thing ever,” said Mike McCoy, Zevallos’ friend and co-worker.
Zevallos was known as someone who had big plans and saw a clear path in his future. He was set to follow in his father’s footsteps and join the U.S. Marine Corps in March after graduating from high school early, according to his family.
As the community mourns, a memorial for the 18-year-old has grown outside the 7 Brew coffee shop in Lebanon, where he had worked for about a year.
“He was somebody who impacted each individual that he came across,” said Natalie Young, 7 Brew’s manager and Zevallos' boss. “Even though he just turned 18 a month ago, he was ready to be an adult, and he already had his whole life ahead planned for himself. He had so many goals for himself. It’s just sad to know he was only 18, and he didn’t even get to fulfill what he wanted to fulfill.”
Young remembers Zevallos as an extremely outgoing person. He made friends easily at the coffee shop. Co-workers and customers alike felt his kind personality.
“He would always find a way to be able to bond with each customer that came through, even the co-workers. He always had something in common with somebody,” Young said.
“I always looked forward to working with him. It was always a good time with him around,” McCoy said. “I was very comfortable with talking to him pretty much about anything.”
When he turned 18, Zevallos got his first tattoo. About a year before, he met tattoo artist Mason Hodges at the gym and began a friendship with him.
“I told him I was an artist, and we just kind of hit it off,” said Hodges, the co-owner of Dark Arts Studio in Lebanon. “He has such a good energy to him and is a very positive person.”
Since Zevallos' death, Hodges says he’s put together memorial tattoo designs with the proceeds going to the high schooler’s family.
“It was a little heavy, just because of the energy that he had and the impact that he had on so many people in the community, just being himself and the loving energy that he brought to whoever he was around,” Hodges said.
Zevallos is survived by his parents and two older sisters. A GoFundMe has been set up to help his family with expenses for his memorial services.
“Junior was loved by so many and his loss is a devastation for everyone,” the fundraising page read. “[We] ask for prayers and we ask you cherish the memories you have with him.”
Family members say Zevallos’ goal was to complete the marathon he was running before his death in under two hours. He achieved that goal, finishing at one hour and 58 minutes.
The Lebanon R-3 Public School released the following statement regarding Zevallos' death:
This is a difficult time for our school community. We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends who are affected by this tragic loss.
Rudy, “Jr.” was a friend to many and a very involved student. Jr.’s ambition was to graduate high school and pursue a career in the Marine Corps. The many special memories shared by those who knew him reflect the impact he had on their lives.
We understand that this news may be difficult for many of our students, staff, and families. We encourage anyone who needs support to reach out to our counseling services, which are available to help navigate this challenging time.
Lebanon Schools is committed to standing together to support one another as we face this difficult loss.
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