Marine recruit dies in early part of training after collapsing while running

(PARRIS ISLAND, S.C.) - A Marine recruit who reported to Parris Island this week for training died Saturday after collapsing while running, officials said. <br><br>The recruit was taking part in a 1.5-mile

Sunday, March 24th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(PARRIS ISLAND, S.C.) - A Marine recruit who reported to Parris Island this week for training died Saturday after collapsing while running, officials said.

The recruit was taking part in a 1.5-mile run as part of the ``initial strength test'' Saturday morning when he stopped and collapsed, said Capt. James Chittenden of the Public Affairs office at Parris Island.

He was given medical attention on site and later transported to a hospital for a CT scan, Chittenden said.

Chittenden said the recruit went into cardiac arrest and died at about 12:30 p.m.

The cause of death is unknown and an investigation of the incident has begun, Chittenden said.

The recruit's name has not been released.

The initial strength test is the first thing a recruit must pass at the Marine Corps training base. He is then assigned to a training company for 12 weeks of work.