Update: Father of Two Dies After Suffering Cardiac Arrest at Runyon Canyon. A GoFundMe Has Been Set Up

Update: May 27, 2026

We have a sad update to share. The victim who was airlifted out of Ruyon Caynon in a dramatic rescue has been identified as Brian Spina, according to a GoFundMe created by his family. He was 40 years old. He is survived by his wife, Marissa, and two sons, James and Charlie.

Spina was hiking Runyon Canyon with his son Charlie and a friend when he collapsed, according to the GoFundMe. He became unresponsive and stopped breathing. He later died in the helicopter.

The “take custody” radio call from the scene directed LAPD to the trailhead, where Charlie and the family friend were found without a guardian. Both were treated for medical distress and later picked up by family.

Original story below published on May 24, 2026

What can only be described as a scary, and ultimately tragic, morning unfolded at the top of Runyon Canyon on Sunday. A hiker went into cardiac arrest on the trail.

Radio traffic during the response directed LAPD to the trailhead to take custody of two minor children who were with Brian. Both were transported, and later picked up by family.

About 32 personnel responded. The department said the man was in grave condition.

LAFD air operations and a rescue helicopter hoisted him off the trail and flew him to a local hospital.

Radio traffic captured the scene commander, known as Runyon IC, calling Metro dispatch. “For other sides up, we have a 40-year-old male in full arrest on a Runyon Canyon Hiking Trail,” the transmission said. “We’re going to do a hoist operation, hold all resources assigned.”

Two minor children were at the trailhead. Runyon IC asked Metro to send LAPD to Franklin Avenue and Runyon Canyon to take custody of them. A second transmission said LAPD was already attached to the call.

A hiker at the scene described what she witnessed. “A gentleman was walking down near the top of the trail, fell back, and it was thought or believed that he’d had a heart attack,” the witness said. “There was another bystander or hiker, who was wearing a tank top who immediately started doing chest compressions.”

If someone collapses on the trail

Runyon Canyon’s terrain makes it hard for ground units to reach many parts of the park fast. There’s a paved fire road down the center of the park, running from the Mulholland Drive entrance at the north end to the Vista Street gate near the south. That’s the route most emergency crews use.

When calling 911, tell them which entrance you came in from. The main entrance is at the top of Fuller Avenue on the south end. Vista Street is a second entrance to the southwest. Mulholland Drive is the northern entry. Say how far up the trail you think you are. Inspiration Point is about 0.45 miles in from Fuller. Name anything you can see. It helps ground units get to you faster. There are mile markers too which can help them find you faster if you can see or note as you move along the fire road or especially the trails. 

Should someone go into cardiac arrest don’t wait to start compressions. Push hard and fast on the center of the chest. Keep going. Don’t stop. The American Heart Association says to compress to the beat of “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees — it’s the right speed.

Learn CPR in West Hollywood

The City regularly offers free American Red Cross CPR, First Aid, and AED certification training through its parks department. Sessions are held at the West Hollywood Park Aquatic and Recreation Center, 8750 El Tovar Place, in the Fairfax/La Brea Room. The training covers adult and pediatric CPR and AED use.

There’s an online component to finish before the in-person session. Space fills fast. Residents can get on the waitlist by emailing wehoaquatics@weho.org or calling (323) 848-6538.