Elite Marathon Runner Dies in Crash Hours Before Race

Grace Nolan, a 25-year-old medical student and accomplished marathon runner, died on October 18, a day before she was scheduled to lead the women's elite field at the Detroit Free Press Marathon. Nolan was involved in a car crash on October 17 in Walled Lake, Michigan, while traveling with her boyfriend, Matt Dennison.

The Walled Lake Firefighters responded to the accident around 5:30 p.m. and found the vehicle had collided with a tree. Both individuals were transported to Henry Ford Providence Hospital in Novi, where Nolan later died from her injuries. Dennison sustained significant injuries but is expected to recover.

Nolan, a second-year medical student at Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, had a strong history in running. She had planned to participate in the Detroit Free Press Marathon for the second time. Her athletic achievements included being named first-team All-Horizon League in cross country three times, winning the Horizon League 10,000-meter title with a championship record, and being nominated for the Horizon League 2025 NCAA Woman of the Year award.

Her parents, Jason and Wendy Nolan, shared their grief online, describing their daughter as "the most curious, angelic, intelligent, loyal, incredible person." Her mother noted that Nolan aspired to become a cardiologist and had wanted to be a doctor from a young age.

Steve Waterfield, athletic director at Oakland University, called the news "devastating," adding that Nolan "was going to make people and communities better as a person and doctor." A celebration of her life is planned for October 31 at Oakland University.

Nolan is survived by her parents, her brothers, and her boyfriend.