By FireRescue1 Staff
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A student died Saturday morning after participating in a firefighter physical fitness exam.
News4Jax.com reported that Xavier Allen, 23, had just finished an agility test when he passed out. He was taken to a hospital, but never regained consciousness.
Allen’s family told police that he had no medical history that would explain his death.
“A young man lost his life trying to do something to get ready for a career that is a calling,” Randy Wyse, President of the Association of Jacksonville firefighters, said.
Allen was participating in the exercise at the Fire Academy of the South, which is part of Florida State College at Jacksonville.
“The FSCJ community is deeply saddened to report that a student has died following a firefighter application exercise,” Jill Johnson, college director of marketing and communications, said. “Our deepest sympathies go out to the family as we grieve the loss of a young man with a desire to serve others through public service. As we await medical results, we stand ready to assist the family.”
A student died in a firefighter application exercise, officials at Florida State College at Jacksonville said. https://t.co/9R8aptllxX pic.twitter.com/MwZraZvLYR
— News4JAX (@wjxt4) November 6, 2016