JOGGER, 28, DECLARED BRAIN-DEAD AFTER BRUTAL BROOKLYN ATTACK — HER FATHER FOUND HER MINUTES AFTER THEIR LAST PHONE CALL

Katie Suarez had been training for the New York City Marathon when she was attacked on a waterfront running path. Her family is now facing an unimaginable ordeal as police search for the person responsible.

A 28-year-old woman has been declared brain-dead after being stabbed in the neck while out jogging in Brooklyn, New York.

Katie Suarez was running along the Shore Parkway Greenway in the Bath Beach neighbourhood shortly after 8 p.m. on Friday, October 30, when she was attacked.

Her father later found her badly injured after she failed to arrive at a meeting point they had arranged.

According to reports citing police sources, Suarez was taken to NYU Langone Hospital, where she was declared brain-dead. She remains on life support, according to The New York Post and The Sun.

HER LAST PHONE CALL WITH HER PARENTS

In the hours before the attack, Suarez had reportedly finished work at a nearby bank and changed into her running clothes.

She had been training for the New York City Marathon and went for a run along a familiar waterfront route.

At around 8 p.m., she spoke with her parents by phone to arrange where they would meet. She reportedly told them she was only about half a mile away — approximately a five-minute run.

It was the last time her parents spoke with her.

When Katie failed to arrive and stopped answering their calls, her parents became increasingly worried and went looking for her.

Her father eventually found her near Bay 17th Street and Shore Parkway, in a grassy area beside the running path. She had suffered multiple stab wounds to the neck.

Emergency crews rushed her to hospital.

POLICE LAUNCH MAJOR SEARCH

The attack happened along a popular waterfront path used by runners, cyclists, walkers and fishermen.

Investigators have been examining the scene and searching for evidence. Specialist teams, including aviation units, K9 officers, scuba divers and drones, have been deployed as part of the investigation.

Police have not publicly identified a suspect or established a motive.

Although some reports have described the assault as apparently random, authorities have not confirmed whether Suarez was specifically targeted.

The NYPD is asking anyone who may have seen her between 7:56 p.m. and 8:12 p.m. on Friday along the eastbound bike path between Bay 8th Street and Bay 17th Street to come forward.

Anyone with information can contact the NYPD Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or send a message to @NYPDTips.

A WOMAN REMEMBERED FOR HER KINDNESS

Neighbours who knew Suarez described her as a kind and quiet person who made a positive impression on those around her.

She reportedly worked as a bank teller and had been preparing for the New York City Marathon.

The marathon organisers also expressed sadness over the attack, saying their thoughts were with her family and the running community.

As the investigation continues, Suarez’s loved ones are left waiting for answers after a phone call that was supposed to be an ordinary arrangement to meet after her run.

Police are urging anyone with information to help identify the person responsible.