Soldier from St. Petersburg collapses and dies after run

PINELLAS PARK -- A 50-year-old active guard and reserve soldier from St. Petersburg collapsed and died here Sunday morning after fitness training with his unit, U.S. Army Reserve Medical Command officials announced today.

The soldier was divorced with three adult children. One of the children is traveling and has not yet been notified, said Maj. William D. Ritter, so the Army Reserve cannot release his name.

Assigned to the Company B 345th Combat Support Hospital in St. Petersburg, the soldier complained of not feeling well during a company run, then began having a seizure, Ritter said. He later died at Bayfront Medical Center, and early reports indicate he may have had a heart attack.

The Mississippi-raised soldier entered the military in 1981 and left in 1987 after fulfilling his service, Ritter said in a news release. He rejoined in 1994, working in the active guard and reserve program. He was deployed to Iraq from December 2003 to February 2006.

The Armed Reserve Medical Command released this statement: "Our thoughts go out to his family, as they have lost a father, friend and leader. We also pray for his grieving unit members who without notice lost a valuable mentor and colleague who served his country with honor and dignity for over 25 years."

Emily Nipps, Times Staff Writer

*