Virginia Deputy Dies During Academy Workout

A Spotsylvania County, Va., deputy died Monday after collapsing during a morning workout. Bryan Berger, 34, was a recruit at the Rappahannock Regional Criminal Justice Academy and was participating in physical fitness training with his classmates.

Deputy Bryan Berger (Photo: Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office)Deputy Bryan Berger (Photo: Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office)

A Spotsylvania County, Va., deputy died Monday after collapsing during a morning workout. Bryan Berger, 34, was a recruit at the Rappahannock Regional Criminal Justice Academy and was participating in physical fitness training with his classmates.

At approximately 8:20 a.m., Berger began experiencing shortness of breath during a calisthenics exercise, that morning, Mike Harvey, executive director of the academy, told the Free-Lance Star.

“He was immediately taken to the side and monitored by instructors and staff as emergency medical services were summoned,” Harvey said. “Recruit Berger remained alert and he was speaking with the instructors and staff.”

When emergency personnel arrived, Berger collapsed and lost consciousness. He was transported to Mary Washington Hospital, where he later died.

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