A new member of a Missouri fire department was stricken Tuesday while doing physical fitness training at his station.
David Grass Jr., 34, had been a member of the Ste. Genevieve Fire Department since January, Chief G. Mick Schwent announced in a prepared statement.
Schwent explained: "Firefighter Grass was at the fire station doing department sponsored physical fitness training when he became ill, Tuesday, July 7th. Firefighter Grass was preparing for an upcoming State Firefighter Certification program at the time of the incident."
After becoming ill, he was flown by air ambulance to St. Louis University Medical Center. The chief said despite efforts of medical staff, Grass died Wednesday at 11:40 a.m. of an apparent brain injury.
Schwent said Grass started with the department on Jan. 20. He is survived by his wife and two children.
Funeral services have not been completed.
