By Leila Merrill
GREENSBORO, N.C. — A Greensboro Fire Department recruit died Wednesday morning after suffering a medical episode during the pre-employment fitness assessment, WFMY reported.
Andrew Vaughn, 36, was finishing the last lap of a 1.5-mile run when he collapsed. He reportedly said that his legs were cramping and he could not stand.
Fire officials said the assessment includes the run, plus sit-ups, push-ups and pull-ups, with the run being the first in the series.
He was scheduled to join the department’s recruit class on Sept. 1.
In a statement, Greensboro Fire Chief Jim Robinson said, “this is an absolutely tragic day for the fire service, Andrew’s family, and his wife, Stephanie. … The Greensboro Fire Department is devastated by Andrew’s untimely death. Our hearts go out to everyone who knew and loved him. Please respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time.”