logo
Getty Images
Getty Images

Boston Marathon Icon Dick Hoyt, Who Pushed Wheelchair-Bound Son at the Race for Decades, Dies

Joe Akins
Mar 19, 2021
12:10 A.M.

Dick Hoyt, famed for pushing his son in a wheelchair for decades at the Boston Marathon, has died at 80, the Boston Athletic Association has announced.

Advertisement

On Wednesday, the Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) posted a statement on Twitter announcing the sad passing of Dick Hoyt at 80 years old. The statement read:

"The B.A.A. is tremendously saddened to learn of the passing of Boston Marathon icon Dick Hoyt."

Jimmy V award recipients Dick Hoyt and son Rick Hoyt accepting an award at the 2013 ESPY Awards at Nokia Theatre L.A. on July 17, 2013 | Photo: Getty Images

Jimmy V award recipients Dick Hoyt and son Rick Hoyt accepting an award at the 2013 ESPY Awards at Nokia Theatre L.A. on July 17, 2013 | Photo: Getty Images

The B.A.A. further said Hoyt was a fan-favorite who inspired thousand and a loyal friend and father who was proud to spend quality time with his son Rick while running from Hopkinton to Boston. The statement further reads:

"...Dick Hoyt and his son Rick quickly became Boston Marathon legends after their first run in 1980."

The B.A.A. recalled how father and son competed in the Boston Marathon until their final race together in 2014 and how their bond and presence throughout the course became synonymous with the Marathon.

Advertisement

In the statement's concluding part, it described Hoyt as one-of-a-kind, adding that he would be sincerely missed. The B.A.A. also said it is keeping his family and friends in its thoughts and prayers.

After Hoyt retired in 2014, Dr. Bryan Lyons, a member of Team Hoyt, started pushing Rick in the Boston Marathon.

Hoyt is famous for pushing Rick in a customized wheelchair at the Boston Marathon for decades. Together, father and son, who made their marathon debut in 1980, completed 32 Boston Marathons.

Advertisement

Rick, 59, was diagnosed as a spastic quadriplegic with cerebral palsy when he was born. His umbilical cord wrapped around his neck, leading to the blockage of oxygen flow to his brain. In a 2013 chat with Today, Hoyt said of his son's diagnosis:

"They said, 'Forget Rick, put him away, put him in an institution, he's going to be a vegetable for the rest of his life.'"

However, he and his wife did not listen to the advice about institutionalizing Rick and raised him as a normal child. The proud father found joy racing with his son, which began when Rick was in middle school.

Advertisement

The duo were fan favorites at the Boston Marathon and was immortalized for their impact in the marathon in April 2013 when a life-sized bronze statue of them was built at the marathon's starting line.

After Hoyt retired in 2014, Dr. Bryan Lyons, a member of Team Hoyt, started pushing Rick in the Boston Marathon in 2015. In 2019, he ran the 26.2-mile race without Rick, who was sick but presented his medal to him afterward.

Lyons died in his sleep at the end of May 2020. Following his passing, Hoyt shared a message on social media expressing sadness over his death.

Thoughts are with Rick and the rest of Hoyt's family, friends, and Boston marathoners as they deal with his passing. May his soul rest in peace.

Advertisement
info
Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories!
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy
Advertisement
Related posts

Hoda Kotb Shares Portrait with Family, Who Showed Strong Resemblance to Her, on Brother's Birthday

November 22, 2023

'Starsky & Hutch' Star Paul Michael Glaser Mourns 'Brother' David Soul Who Lost a 'Violent Battle for Life'

January 06, 2024

Texas Girl, 11, Found Dead – Her Dad Finally Speaks Out after His Friend Was Charged with the Murder

February 27, 2024

Kez Sunday Udoka Is Ime Udoka's Son with Nia Long - Facts about Him

December 07, 2023

John Candy’s Lookalike Daughter Reveals Their Last Conversation – Few Days Later, He Was Buried in a Closed Casket

March 06, 2024

Boy Comes Home from Camp to Find Parents Gone and His House Up for Sale – Story of the Day

November 14, 2023

Kathleen Nimmo Lynch Is Reportedly the Woman Who Had an Affair with Nia Long's Fiancé: More about Her

December 08, 2023

Baseball Legend Tim Wakefield's Widow Dies 5 Months after Him: Tragic Details

March 01, 2024

Baseball Legend Tim Wakefield's Widow Dies 5 Months after Him: Tragic Details

February 29, 2024

How Jimmy Carter Is Doing after 1 Year in Hospice: Wife's Death Could Impact Him, Doctor Says

February 21, 2024

‘NCIS’ & ‘Star Trek’ Star Kenneth Mitchell Abruptly Died at 49, Survived by 2 Kids — Cause of Death Revealed

February 26, 2024

Missing Texas Girl, 11, Found Dead — Person Who Knocked Door to Door to Help Find Her Charged with Murder

February 22, 2024

A.K. Kotb Worked as a Fossil Energy specialist - More on Hoda Kotb's Father

November 13, 2023

This Man Is a Legendary Musician’s Son – He Called His Mom ‘Dragon’ & His Uncle Got Custody of Him

February 02, 2024