by SAN DIEGO — An Army veteran who worked tirelessly to overcome PTSD and rebuild joy by the ocean died moments after completing a half-marathon — a loss his family says they still cannot comprehend.
Scottie Williams, 28, collapsed near a water station shortly after finishing the Silver Strand Veterans Day Half Marathon. Despite prolonged CPR efforts from medics, he never regained a pulse.
His mother, Katherine Yglesias-Herrera, recalled how full of life he seemed just two days earlier during their FaceTime call, where he proudly showed her his new apartment, home gym, garage and plants.
“Twenty-eight years old… makes no sense,” she said, still unable to grasp the tragedy.
The Final Moments After the Race
Williams’ girlfriend, Bree Rivera, had been waiting at the finish line. She told the family he appeared normal as he completed the race before suddenly collapsing near the water station.
A doctor later told his mother that medics performed CPR for about 90 minutes, but nothing brought him back. The autopsy has been completed, but results may take months. Until then, the family continues to live with uncertainty.
“I’ve ran every scenario through my head,” his mother said. “Why? Such a good asset to this world. Why?”
Honoring a Son and a Soldier
When Williams’ body was escorted home, police, veterans and local residents lined the streets waving American flags, honoring him with a hero’s farewell. A GoFundMe campaign has raised more than $20,000 toward funeral expenses.
Williams enlisted in the Army at 17, fulfilling a childhood dream shaped by a family legacy of military service. He served in Korea and Syria as a transport driver, maneuvering heavy military vehicles and supporting frontline operations.
But after returning from Syria, his mother saw changes — hypervigilance, anxiety in crowded places and emotional distress he couldn’t name. These struggles eventually led to an 80% PTSD disability rating from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Healing After Service
Although hesitant at first, Williams eventually sought therapy while choosing to avoid medication. His mother said he focused on self-guided healing, creating structure and spending time outdoors.
After leaving the Army, he built a camper on the back of his truck, lived near a ski resort, showered at the gym and worked near the mountains. When he moved to San Diego, she said, the positive transformation accelerated.
“San Diego… was the best thing he ever did. He healed himself slowly. He lived life to the fullest.”
He participated in races and marathons, finding purpose and grounding in the physical challenge.
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Love, Stability and Newfound Happiness
In San Diego, Williams met his girlfriend, Bree Rivera. The couple had recently moved into a larger apartment and started envisioning a future together. Williams even told his mother he planned to “secret marry” her to ensure she didn’t struggle financially.
“Right now in his life, he was the happiest,” his mother said. “Little apartment by the beach… perfect little girlfriend… smiling, happy.”
He had also been crafting a memorial urn for his father, who passed away in August. During their final FaceTime call, he proudly showed his mother his workshop, plants, and living space — pieces of a life he was lovingly rebuilding.
A Legacy of Strength and Compassion
His mother described him as one of the “best people” she ever knew, a resilient, generous and deeply loving son.
“He was amazing… he was something more,” she said through tears.
Williams’ funeral is scheduled for next weekend, where family, friends and the veteran community will gather to honor his life and service.
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