A 17-year-old Army private collapsed during physical training at Fort Jackson before dying in the hospital five days later. Pvt. Alyssa Cahoon was one of a pair of twins going through training at the time when she was hospitalized on Aug. 20.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to the family members and teammates of the deceased soldier. We are providing every comfort and assistance that we can to all involved,” Brig. Gen. Patrick R. Michaelis told WLTX.
The Army is currently conducting an investigation into the cause of death.
While it is not prudent to speculate on the cause of death in this particular case, there have been a number of soldiers passing away in recent months which seem to happen during or immediately after physical training.
Earlier this month, a 20-year-old British soldier died during a physical training event that was held during a heat wave. Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, which is often fatal. The cause of death is being investigated in that case as well.
In March, Delta Force operator Maj. Eric “Adam” Ewoldsen was found unresponsive outside the unit's compound in his car. At the time, sources told Connecting Vets that he had cut his workout that day short as he was not feeling well.
Last year, Special Forces soldier Sgt. 1st Class Calvin T. Rockward passed away after experiencing what the Army described as a, "sudden, unexpected medical event," during physical training.
In some cases of soldiers dying during or after PT events, a condition known as Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) may be to blame, especially if it has gone undetected in the service member and therefore untreated. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), "CAD is caused by plaque buildup in the walls of the arteries that supply blood to the heart (called coronary arteries) and other parts of the body."
Symptoms can include shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, and feeling lightheaded. For treatment, service members should seek out professional medical care.
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