A runner who died while taking part in an annual fundraising event at the weekend is being remembered as a devoted husband and loving father taken in his prime.
Luke Prehn, 41, was completing a half-marathon during the HBF Run for a Reason in Perth on Sunday when he suffered a medical episode and collapsed. He was treated by paramedics but tragically could not be saved.
In a statement, sister-in-law Tracey Sweetman described him as a devoted husband to wife Charmaine and a loving father to their two children aged four and two.
Anyone who knew him knew the kind of man he was — endlessly patient, gentle, hardworking and kind, Sweetman said in a post on GoFundMe. He was the person who showed up for others without hesitation, loved his family deeply and made everyone around him feel supported and cared for. In an instant, my sister and her babies have lost their husband, dad, protector and best friend.
‘Salt of the earth bloke’
Prehn’s brother-in-law said his death had come as a complete shock. Luke was a salt-of-the-earth bloke, who was fit and inexplicably taken in the prime of his life, Daniel Sweetman told 7NEWS.com.au. He will be deeply missed by all his friends and family.
Prehn was a director at accounting giant Ernst & Young, where staff have been left deeply saddened by the sudden death of their colleague.
Luke was a valued member of our firm for 13 years and will be remembered for his integrity, generosity and genuine care for others, EY Perth office managing partner Fiona Drummond told 7NEWS.com.au in a statement. He was a trusted colleague, mentor, and friend to many across EY and made a lasting impact on those who worked alongside him. Our thoughts and support are with his wife, Charmaine, and young family at this incredibly difficult time.
Support has been provided to EY staff.
Event response
More than 40,000 people took part in the 2026 HBF Run for a Reason. In a statement, event organisers thanked St John WA and members of the public who provided assistance during the emergency.
We are deeply saddened to confirm the death of participant, Luke Prehn, following a medical emergency, it said. We are grateful to members of the public and St John WA who provided immediate assistance, and also to hospital staff. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with Luke’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.
