HAMDEN, Conn. (AP) — A former Olympic and professional runner from Ethiopia who was more than eight months pregnant has died after collapsing at a Connecticut restaurant, but doctors were able to save her baby.
Friends say 26-year-old Meskerem Legesse of Westport, Conn., was with her 2-year-old son when she collapsed in Hamden Monday. Hamden Fire Chief David Berardesca says CPR efforts in the restaurant and ambulance allowed doctors to save the baby.
A friend, Fatima Sene, says the children are with their father and arrangements are being made to bring Legesse’s body to Ethiopia. Legesse’s death was first reported by WFSB-TV.
The cause of death isn’t clear. Sene said Legesse had heart problems.
Legesse ran the 1,500 meter race for Ethiopia in the 2004 Athens Olympics.
