Robert and Linda Mathis Killed by Intoxicated Driver
According to a report in the Reno Gazette Journal, around 8:00 PM Friday night, Robert and Linda Mathis were struck and killed while crossing Highway 28, in a painted crosswalk, in Incline Village.
Although they haven’t released details, the Nevada Highway Patrol suspect drug use was involved in the accident. The driver, Christopher Smith, was arrested and booked into Washoe County Jail on two counts of DUI causing death and failure to yield to a pedestrian.
The Mathis are widely known in the road and ultrarunning community, and Robert Mathis is the race director behind a large number of races, including the River City Marathon and Rock’n River 50.
Mathis also operated a timing company, River City Race Management.
We wish the best for their family and friends.
Horrible news.
1RIP Robert & Linda!
2It won’t bring them back, but charge that driver with double murder and life in prison. I hate how DUI drivers get so little punishment. If he was drunk and drugged out and punched them, he’d be serving life.
Your car is a weapon.
RIP Robert and Linda. (Or mostly in peace, because just occasionally, come back and haunt this man for his vile subhuman behavior.)
3Driver was released on $60,000 bail over the weekend. Something doesn’t seem right here.
4It is sad that people like these have to die they will be sadly missed both for who they were and what they did for the people. We will miss you both wonderful people.
5This is a horrible loss for so many people. I was feeling a lot of rage toward the person responsible and while I hope he is given a speedy trial and an appropriate sentence, he will have to carry this with him for the rest of his life. He brought it on himself and will have to deal with the consequences but how tragic. for everyone involved.
6Wow… this is tragic. So sorry to hear of this.
7Rest in peace. Sad news for all of us. Wonder if we can dedicate race on March 25th, 2012 to honor them and show our respect.
8Will the River City Marathon in March be cancelled??
9We woke up today to run the chocolate 5k run in roseville, hosted by Robert Mathis. No race was set up, and only about 10-20 people showed up. We had no idea, and thought it was a scam! We ran anyway, talking together as we ran, trying to come up with some reason for the cancel. Many emotions got us first time racers through the self made race, and we got to meet some very amazing people. Just got home to research what happened. I believe Robert and his wife brought us together and pushed us to say, no excuses, get out and run! RIP Mathis couple. Very inspiring.
10This is a terrible tragedy and I can’t imagine what the family is going through trying to grieve and take care of the business side of things. I was forwarded an email from someone close to the situation that said that all events are cancelled until further notice. I’ve asked them if I can re-post their message here and will/won’t when I receive a response.
11I’m new to the marathon community, but I think it would be awesome for another race director to offer everyone that registered for any of the Mathis runs to run in their race.
Hey all, a new race director is taking over the River City Marathon, it’s back on and registration will reopen for those that aren’t registered.
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