COXHEATH, N.S. - The father of a Cape Breton teenager who collapsed at the Toronto Marathon and later died says the family thought she was being taken to hospital for dehydration.
Steve van Nostrand says he and his wife, as well as his daughter's cousin, were also running in the marathon Sunday when 18-year-old Emma van Nostrand collapsed near the finish line.
Steve van Nostrand says the cousin saw Emma being taken to a waiting ambulance, but didn't realize the seriousness of the situation at the time and finished the run.
The family tried to find Emma in the medical tent after the marathon, but were told she had been taken to a hospital.
Van Nostrand says they took a 45-minute taxi ride to St. Joseph's Health Centre, where the family expected to pick Emma up but were instead told that she had died.
Van Nostrand says his daughter was in "excellent shape" and had no prior health issues.
He says they are awaiting a final report from a Toronto coroner.
