Rick Hoyt, a Boston Marathon fixture with father pushing his wheelchair, has died at 61

Rick Hoyt, who with his father Dick pushing his wheelchair became a fixture at the Boston Marathon, has died at age 61. (Rodrique Ngowi/AP)

BOSTON — Rick Hoyt, who with his father pushing his wheelchair became a fixture at the Boston Marathon and other races for decades, has died. He was 61.

Hoyt died of complications with his respiratory system, his family announced on Monday. ”Rick along with our father, Dick, were icons in the road race and triathlon worlds for over 40 years and inspired millions of people with disabilities to believe in themselves, set goals and accomplish extraordinary things,” the Hoyt family said in a statement.