thedrifter
07-23-09, 08:35 AM
Marine recruit's death probed
Tracy man reportedly collapsed during workout while trying to lose weight
By Scott Smith
July 23, 2009
Record Staff Writer
The Tracy Police Department and the Marine Corps have launched independent investigations into Tuesday's death of a Tracy man being recruited for military service who reportedly passed out while exercising to lose weight.
Daniel Ruf, 22, died at the California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco one week after he collapsed at In-Shape Sports Club in Tracy. The Tracy Press quoted a friend of Ruf's who said two Marine recruiters were helping him try to lose 12 pounds.
Sgt. Jason Bortz, a Marine spokesman in San Diego, declined to give specific details, saying the incident was under investigation. He said Ruf wasn't yet a Marine but was in the recruiting process.
"Recruit training is very physically demanding," Bortz said, adding that Marine investigators are still involved in fact finding. "Obviously, our prayers are with the family."
Speaking in general terms, Bortz said recruits and Marines in active service must meet weight standards based on their height. Ruf reportedly weighed 184 pounds, but his height is unclear.
His profile photo on Facebook is of a shirtless, athletically built young man with his hat on backward.
The Record could not reach Ruf's family and friends for comment Wednesday. Kevin McCormick, a spokesman for the San Francisco hospital where Ruf was last treated, declined to comment. He said the family asked for privacy.
Lt. Jeremy Watney of the Tracy Police Department said his office also was checking into the death. Police are moving forward with their probe but are cautious not to overstep the military's jurisdiction, he said.
"At this point, we have nothing to indicate that a crime took place," Watney said. "We are going to at least check to see that that is in fact the truth."
Les Garcia, a spokesman for the San Joaquin County Sheriff-Coroner's Office, said that because Ruf died in San Francisco, officials there would likely lead the coroner's case. San Francisco officials would not release information over the phone Wednesday.
Contact reporter Scott Smith at (209) 546-8296 or ssmith@recordnet.com.
Ellie
Tracy man reportedly collapsed during workout while trying to lose weight
By Scott Smith
July 23, 2009
Record Staff Writer
The Tracy Police Department and the Marine Corps have launched independent investigations into Tuesday's death of a Tracy man being recruited for military service who reportedly passed out while exercising to lose weight.
Daniel Ruf, 22, died at the California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco one week after he collapsed at In-Shape Sports Club in Tracy. The Tracy Press quoted a friend of Ruf's who said two Marine recruiters were helping him try to lose 12 pounds.
Sgt. Jason Bortz, a Marine spokesman in San Diego, declined to give specific details, saying the incident was under investigation. He said Ruf wasn't yet a Marine but was in the recruiting process.
"Recruit training is very physically demanding," Bortz said, adding that Marine investigators are still involved in fact finding. "Obviously, our prayers are with the family."
Speaking in general terms, Bortz said recruits and Marines in active service must meet weight standards based on their height. Ruf reportedly weighed 184 pounds, but his height is unclear.
His profile photo on Facebook is of a shirtless, athletically built young man with his hat on backward.
The Record could not reach Ruf's family and friends for comment Wednesday. Kevin McCormick, a spokesman for the San Francisco hospital where Ruf was last treated, declined to comment. He said the family asked for privacy.
Lt. Jeremy Watney of the Tracy Police Department said his office also was checking into the death. Police are moving forward with their probe but are cautious not to overstep the military's jurisdiction, he said.
"At this point, we have nothing to indicate that a crime took place," Watney said. "We are going to at least check to see that that is in fact the truth."
Les Garcia, a spokesman for the San Joaquin County Sheriff-Coroner's Office, said that because Ruf died in San Francisco, officials there would likely lead the coroner's case. San Francisco officials would not release information over the phone Wednesday.
Contact reporter Scott Smith at (209) 546-8296 or ssmith@recordnet.com.
Ellie