PRINCE WILLIAM CO., Va. (WUSA) -- Sources familiar with the report looking into the November death of Cecilia Turnbough tell STATter911.com she died from complications due to an enlarged heart. The report ordered by Prince William County Department of Fire & Rescue Chief Kevin McGee calls for better physical screening for all of those going through firefighter training.
The 42-year-old Turnbough collapsed and died November 9 while in the maze at the county training academy. Turnbough had been an EMS-only member of the Dale City Volunteer Fire Department and had decided to become a firefighter.
According to sources, Turnbough had not been given a physical prior to the firefighter training. The sources say there are concerns a physical could have identified the enlarged heart and other medical conditions.
The report calls for better oversight of medical screening for volunteers in the county. The report also looks at how training is conducted at the facility.
According to sources, instructors responded quickly when they learned Turnbough was in distress. There are concerns that Turnbough's weight and lack of access to parts of the maze caused some delay in her removal.
The report is to be released at a press conference tonight at 8:30. County officials have declined to comment until that time.
For more on this and other stories, go to STATter 911.com.
