Columbia Community Mourns Colton James Harman After Tragic Death at Greenville Half Marathon
The Columbia community is mourning the loss of Colton James Harman, a 24-year-old graduate of the University of South Carolina who died while participating in the Greenville Half Marathon on February 28, 2026.
Harman, born November 19, 2001, in Columbia, was known among friends and family as an energetic athlete with a deep love for sports, the outdoors, and his community. His passing during the race has prompted an outpouring of tributes from classmates, teammates, and church members who remember him for his humor, kindness, and vibrant spirit.
A graduate of Blythewood High School (Class of 2020), Harman remained active in athletics throughout his youth, playing baseball and football while also participating in intramural sports during college. At the University of South Carolina, he earned a degree in business with a minor in sport administration and was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, where he participated in numerous philanthropic activities.
Friends say Harman’s passion for sports extended well beyond competition. He was known as a loyal fan of the university’s athletic teams and rarely missed a Gamecocks football game.
After graduation, Harman began working as a field service representative with ACO Med Supply in Greenville, where colleagues describe him as hardworking and dedicated. Outside of work, he was active in the youth ministry at Village Church in Blythewood.
Family members say Harman loved spending time outdoors—whether traveling, cooking, exploring geography, or watching airplanes and the night sky. His easygoing humor and welcoming personality left a strong impression on those who knew him.
His death also highlights a broader conversation about sudden cardiac events during athletic activities. Organizations such as Heart of the Game—founded by former Gamecocks quarterback Connor Shaw—work to improve awareness and emergency response to sudden cardiac arrest in sports settings.
Funeral services were scheduled for March 7 at Village Church, with burial at Greenlawn Memorial Park.
For many in Columbia and beyond, Harman’s legacy is defined by his enthusiasm for life, faith, and the friendships he built along the way—memories that loved ones say will continue to inspire those who knew him.
