Arizona State Champion Marcus Wheeler Dead After Apparent Suicide

Devastating and sad news to report as Marcus Wheeler, a 2014 Arizona state cross country champion (Division 1) from Corona del Sol High School, passed away today in an apparent suicide at his high school. He was 18-years old.

Wheeler's last tweet on Tuesday morning:

TIGERHOODS⚡️ @marcuswheeler69

there is going to be a suicide in the school right now

4:40 PM - 12 May 2015

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According to Tempe police reports, Wheeler brought a gun to school where he shot and killed himself.   

Wheeler was considered one of the best distance runners from the state of Arizona after claiming his very first high school state title with a 15:36 victory in the Division 1 state cross country race. Another big race moment from Wheeler came at the Desert Twilight Festival when he battled with 4:03-miler Carlos Villarreal to finish with a runner-up 5K PR time of 14:53. Wheeler had committed to run for Central Arizona College earlier this year. 

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Wheeler's family, friends, teammates, coaches as well as the entire Arizona high school track and cross country community in this time of grieving and great pain.

ABC15 Arizona 

✔@abc15

NOW: Corona del Sol High School in Tempe on lockdown. Working to confirm more information. #abc15

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ABC15 Arizona 

✔@abc15

UPDATE: Sadly, Tempe police confirm a suicide at Corona del Sol High School. School on lockdown. No students at risk. #abc15

5:08 PM - 12 May 2015

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AZ XC Confessions @AzXcConfessions

Arizona lost an amazing person and an amazing runner today. Love you Marcus R.I.P.

5:38 PM - 12 May 2015

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Jessica Tonn @JessTonn

Prayers & condolences to the friends, family, teammates, & fellow classmates of Marcus Wheeler. So saddened by this story, Rest in Peace.

6:24 PM - 12 May 2015

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