Scottie Williams Conquered War and PTSD, But Not the Finish Line: Army Vet Dies After Marathon
Scottie Williams was the youngest of the three siblings, and the apple of his mom’s eye for his entire life.
November 23, 2026
This article was last updated by Ashish on November 23, 2026
Scottie Williams crumpled near a water station after crossing the finish line of the Silver Strand Veterans Day Half Marathon on Sunday, November 9, 2026.
The medical team on-site worked to revive him, but he never regained his pulse.
Scottie Williams always dreamed of joining the military.
He turned that dream into reality in 2015 and enlisted in the Army straight out of Burroughs High School at just 17. During his service, he operated massive military vehicles as a transport driver.
His missions took him across the globe, from Korea to the demanding terrain of Syria, where he was responsible for transporting crucial equipment and troops.
After returning from Syria, Williams suffered from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The Department of Veterans Affairs officially rated him 80% disabled due to his condition.
He never … talked to me about it. I would find him crying sometimes, and I would sit with him and hug him and tell him, like, ‘Son, what’s going on?’ And he would tell me, ‘I don’t know, Mom, I don’t know.
Williams initially resisted help but found the courage to begin therapy, though he chose to manage his symptoms without medication.
He found a new life and built a camper on the back of his truck after leaving the Army. He embraced a simple life, moving to Mammoth Lakes, California, where he worked at a ski resort.
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Army Vet Scottie Williams Collapses After Marathon Finish, Dies at 28
Scottie Williams was the son of Scott and Kathy. His parents raised him in a close-knit family alongside his two sisters, Kimberly and Sarah.
He was a beloved son, brother, and Army veteran who inspired many with his resilience. He passed away at the age of 28, on November 12, 2026.
Williams’s passing came just moments after he achieved his goal, collapsing near a water station after crossing the finish line of a marathon.
Despite the frantic efforts of on-site medics who performed CPR for an extended period, he could not be revived.
He was a source of joy and pride for his entire family, including his grandmother JoAnn, stepfather Michael, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Williams had been courageously clawing his way out of the grips of PTSD, actively rebuilding a joyful life by the ocean in San Diego with his girlfriend, Bree Rivera.
Just two days before his passing, he had shared a secret and joyful plan with his mother, Katherine Yglesias-Herrera. He intended to marry Rivera, who was waiting for him at the finish line of the race.
There truly aren’t words to describe what a kind, easy going, and good hearted person Scottie Williams was. He spent many days surrounded by 4 girls that played Barbies and listened to NSYNC on repeat, and not once did he complain.
Williams was also a devoted son, still processing the recent loss of his father, who died in August. He had been working on a memorial to honor his father’s memory.
He was escorted home to Ridgecrest on Thursday by a procession of police and local veterans. Residents lined the streets, waving American flags in a final, heartfelt salute to a fallen hero.
He is survived by his mother, Katherine Yglesias-Herrera; his sisters, Kimberly and Sarah; his girlfriend, Bree Rivera; his stepfather, Michael; his grandmother, JoAnn; and a large, loving extended family.
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The Williams family will hold a funeral service at a later date. They have established a to cover funeral and reception costs.
Any additional funds will be given to Bree Rivera, as Scottie was the breadwinner in their home.
Williams’s story is one of courage, love, and a life dedicated to overcoming adversity. He is profoundly missed by all who knew him.
Rest In Peace, Scottie Williams.
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Ashish Maharjan, author at Players Bio, has been covering news with a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling. A writer with a passion for capturing the essence of athletic competition.
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