Pennsylvania recruit dies during run at Great Lakes

Pennsylvania recruit dies during run at Great Lakes



By Lee Filas

Navy recruit Christopher Walker told Naval officials he was feeling disoriented during a standard physical fitness test at Naval Station Great Lakes, authorities said.

Moments later, at 9:57 a.m. Wednesday, medics were performing CPR on the 19-year-old recruit from Kittanning, Pa. Walker was in the middle of a mile-and-a-half run during the final stages of his eight-week boot camp when he died, Navy spokesman Mike Miller said Thursday.

The run was part of a physical fitness test that also involves sit-ups and push-ups, Miller said. It was the third such test the recruit had taken during his boot camp stay at the Naval station.

Miller said a Navy medic was on hand during the test, and emergency services were contacted immediately after the recruit went down.

An autopsy by the Lake County Coroner is scheduled for later today, Miller said, while the Naval Criminal Investigative Service is investigating to make sure all protocols were followed prior to the man's death.

Walker enlisted in the Navy on Nov. 16 and was due to graduate from boot camp next week, Miller said, before moving on for follow-up training as a machinist mate.

“Seaman Recruit Walker was an outstanding recruit,” said Capt. Steven Bethke, commanding officer, Recruit Training Command. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to his entire family. His loss is felt by the entire Recruit Training Command staff.”

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Editor's note:  NCIS: Be cautious with any results from the historically troubled Lake County Coroner's office. Lucius Verenus, Schoolmaster, ProbateSharks.com