Tragic update after hiker airlifted off Runyon Canyon in front of his young son
A tragic incident occurred at Runyon Canyon where a hiker, Brian Spina, collapsed in front of his young son and later died. Spina, a 44-year-old operations strategist for Mattel, went into cardiac arrest while hiking and was airlifted to the hospital but did not survive. His death has prompted discussions about safety at Runyon Canyon, which attracts millions of visitors each year.
- ▪Brian Spina, 44, collapsed while hiking with his son and a family friend.
- ▪He was airlifted to the hospital but died during transport after going into cardiac arrest.
- ▪Spina was an operations strategist for Mattel, known for his work on the Hot Wheels brand.
- ▪His death has raised concerns about the safety of Runyon Canyon, which sees around two million visitors annually.
- ▪A GoFundMe campaign for his family has raised approximately $42,000.
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Metro exclusive details Tragic update after hiker airlifted off Runyon Canyon in front of his young son By Ross O'Keefe Published May 28, 2026, 4:52 p.m. ET See more of our coverage in your search results. Add The California Post on Google The Runyon Canyon hiker who suddenly collapsed on a trail in front of his son and was airlifted to the hospital has died. The California Post can confirm the hiker was Brian Spina, a 44-year-old operations strategist for toy giant Mattel. A co-worker of Spina’s for years, Lena DeLoache, told The Post he worked for as operations strategist and brand manager. She said his death was a “tragedy.” 3 The California Post can confirm the hiker was Brian Spina, a 44-year-old operations strategist for toy giant Mattel.
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