MELBOURNE, Fla. – Local 6 news-partner Florida Today has reported that a 26-year-old Law Enforcement Academy recruit died Tuesday morning, the second day of class, after completing a 1.5 mile run at Eastern Florida State College's Melbourne campus.
Mohamed S. Hassen was pronounced dead at Wuesthoff Medical Center-Melbourne. He was married and the father of two children.
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"All of us at Eastern Florida State College are deeply saddened at the loss of one of our students, Mohamed Hassen," College President Jim Richey said in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family."
College Spokesman John Glisch said that students began the run at 8:55 this morning after a 10-minute warm-up.
The run is part of a physical assessment to determine a student's condition. It was the first activity of exercises this morning. Hassen appeared to be struggling near the end.
"The program that they were doing today … they try to get a gauge of where the recruits are in terms of their physical abilities," Glisch said.
There was no mandatory time requirement for the run, and students were directed to walk or jog as needed, he said. Recruits must complete a physical exam by a medical doctor before joining the academy, which Hassen had passed.
Two Titusville Police officers watching the recruits performed CPR before Hassen was transported to the hospital by ambulance.
Melbourne Police are investigating the death, which is part of standard procedure.
While the investigation is ongoing, Sgt. Sheridan Shelley said that there appears to be no foul play.
Eastern Florida will be providing counseling services for students, faculty and staff starting at 8 a.m. Wednesday in Building 8, Room 119 on the Melbourne Campus.