THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, November 21, 1995 TAG: 9511210330
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B4 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: LANDMARK NEWS SERVICE
LENGTH: Short : 42 lines
A 24-year-old man collapsed and died after doing push-ups and physical training at Virginia's boot camp for young criminals two months ago, but a review by the Department of Corrections has found no wrongdoing within the program.
Ronell F. Mason of Bluefield died Sept. 18 during his first day of physical conditioning at the Southampton Intensive Treatment Center.
A preliminary autopsy determined that Mason died from an irregular heart rhythm, according to Amy Miller, a spokeswoman for the Department of Corrections. Further tests by the medical examiner's office in Norfolk found that Mason suffered an ``acute sickling crisis.''
An official with the medical examiner's office said sickle cell anemia contributed to Mason's death, but declined to elaborate.
Other medical experts said sickle cell anemia, which causes a deficiency of oxygen in the blood cells, can be complicated by rigorous physical exercise.
It was not clear Monday whether Mason had been diagnosed with sickle cell anemia before he entered the boot camp.
Mason passed a routine medical screening before he was accepted into the program, Miller said, and he received a second physical exam before starting the activities on Sept. 18.
An internal review of Mason's death by the Department of Corrections found no violations of procedures at the boot camp, Miller said. No changes have been made to the program, which puts young, non-violent offenders through three months of military-style discipline, physical training and a rigorous work schedule as an alternative to prison.
Mason was convicted of cocaine distribution in Tazewell County Circuit Court and sentenced to 40 years in prison. But a judge suspended the sentence on the condition that he complete boot camp. by CNB