He had conquered 42.2 km on foot and collected his finisher's medal. But within minutes of crossing the finish line, a 36-year-old Hyderabad software engineer collapsed and died, turning what should have been a moment of celebration into an unimaginable tragedy.

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Kommineni Gopi, an IBM software engineer and fitness enthusiast, died shortly after completing the Hyderabad Hi-Tech Full Marathon at Gachibowli Stadium on Sunday, November 1.

He collapsed while walking towards the breakfast area after finishing the gruelling 42.2-km race.

According to reports, Gopi completed the marathon and received his finisher's medal before suddenly losing consciousness.

Event organisers rushed to help him and administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) before taking him to a nearby private hospital. However, doctors declared him dead at around 8.45 am.

Preliminary information from the Gachibowli police suggested that Gopi may have suffered a heart attack. A post-mortem examination was initiated to ascertain the precise cause of death.

The marathon, organised by NEB Sports, was the eighth edition of the Hyderabad Hi-Tech Full Marathon.

Gopi's death cast a pall of grief over an event that had brought together runners to test their endurance and celebrate fitness.

Gopi lived in Alkapur Colony in Manikonda, Hyderabad, and was originally from Ravinuthala village in Khammam district, Telangana. He is survived by his wife and their three-year-old child.

Known among his family and friends as a fitness enthusiast, Gopi's sudden death has left his loved ones devastated. His participation in the marathon had ended with the completion of the 42.2-km challenge, but the moments that followed turned into a tragedy.