thedrifter
06-12-04, 06:04 AM
Tragedy strikes aspiring Marine
By ABBY SIMONS and TOM ALEX
REGISTER STAFF WRITERS
June 10, 2004
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A pile of recruitment brochures from the U.S. Marine Corps still lay on the table at Paul McClain's Des Moines home Wednesday.
Both of McClain's grandfathers served in the military; one fought in the Battle of the Bulge during World War II.
The 19-year-old dreamed that he would march in their boot steps and serve his country overseas.
McClain's determination to serve was so great, it might have caused his death.
He died Wednesday after he collapsed on the Bill Riley Bike Trail about 500 yards south of the Ashworth Park swimming pool on the city's west side.
A team of American Red Cross lifeguard instructors was nearby and responded quickly, but McClain died a short time later at Iowa Methodist Medical Center
McClain had begun a jogging regimen to get in shape for the Marines, relatives said.
Preliminary autopsy results showed no foul play, but Dr. Francis Garrity, Polk County medical examiner, said final test results will be available in about 10 days.
McClain's aunt, Barb Holdsworth of Algona, said the family was told McClain's collapse was caused by a rare defect in his heart valve. The valve constricted, Holds- worth said, and caused a heart attack.
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/artikkel?SearchID=73174275629235&Avis=D2&Dato=20040610&Kategori=NEWS08&Lopenr=406100376&Ref=AR
The Drifter's Wife
Ellie
By ABBY SIMONS and TOM ALEX
REGISTER STAFF WRITERS
June 10, 2004
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A pile of recruitment brochures from the U.S. Marine Corps still lay on the table at Paul McClain's Des Moines home Wednesday.
Both of McClain's grandfathers served in the military; one fought in the Battle of the Bulge during World War II.
The 19-year-old dreamed that he would march in their boot steps and serve his country overseas.
McClain's determination to serve was so great, it might have caused his death.
He died Wednesday after he collapsed on the Bill Riley Bike Trail about 500 yards south of the Ashworth Park swimming pool on the city's west side.
A team of American Red Cross lifeguard instructors was nearby and responded quickly, but McClain died a short time later at Iowa Methodist Medical Center
McClain had begun a jogging regimen to get in shape for the Marines, relatives said.
Preliminary autopsy results showed no foul play, but Dr. Francis Garrity, Polk County medical examiner, said final test results will be available in about 10 days.
McClain's aunt, Barb Holdsworth of Algona, said the family was told McClain's collapse was caused by a rare defect in his heart valve. The valve constricted, Holds- worth said, and caused a heart attack.
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/artikkel?SearchID=73174275629235&Avis=D2&Dato=20040610&Kategori=NEWS08&Lopenr=406100376&Ref=AR
The Drifter's Wife
Ellie