FITNESS ASSESSMENT FATALITY ACCIDENT REPORT RELEASED

  • Published
  • Air Combat Command

An Air Combat Command ground accident investigation board report was released today on the June 3, 2018, death of an Alabama Air National Guard airman first class assigned to the 187th Civil Engineer Squadron, 187th Fighter Wing, Dannelly Field, Alabama.  

 

The Airman collapsed at approximately 8:30 a.m. during the 1.5 mile timed-run component of his Air Force physical fitness assessment. The combination of poor hydration, maximum effort physical exertion, and the high heat and humidity during the assessment resulted in the Airman suffering a heat injury with complications from his sickle cell trait. A coroner determined the Airman died from cardiopulmonary respiratory arrest due to multi-organ systems failure as a consequence of electrolyte imbalance.

 

When the Airman collapsed, Emergency Medical Services personnel monitoring the run provided immediate medical assistance and requested additional support. Responding emergency medical technicians performed advanced life support protocols before the Airman was transported by ambulance to Baptist Medical Center South, Montgomery, Alabama.

 

Over the next ten hours the Airman’s condition deteriorated despite medical interventions. He was declared dead at 7:55 p.m.

 

For more information, contact Air Combat Command Public Affairs at (757) 764-5007 or via e-mail at accpa.operations@us.af.mil.