Gwinnett police recruit dies after medical emergency during training

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — Investigators are looking into what caused a Gwinnett County police recruit to suddenly die during training on Tuesday.

Officials told Channel 2′s Audrey Washington that Ronald Donat, 41, passed his medical examination.

Police said Donat was doing a pull up exercise at the Gwinnett County Training Center in Lawrenceville when he suddenly became lethargic.

He leaves behind a fiancé and two children.

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“It is an emotional time here for Gwinnett County police and training staff and the recruits,” said Hideshi Valle with the Gwinnett County Police Department.

Police say the training supervisor had Donat take a rest, but the staff said Donat still appeared to be confused and non-responsive.

“Lifesaving steps were taken by our local EMT and training staff. He was provided oxygen and CPR started,” Valle said.

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Paramedics rushed Donat to a local hospital, but he later died. Late Tuesday afternoon, Washington asked police about Donat’s medical history. They said he previously passed all medical evaluations.

“Moving forward we will continue to evaluate our training standards and ensure that all recruits follow their medical screenings according to Georgia post which is a requirement,” Valle said.

Washington also asked police how vigorous the exercises were and said the recruits were doing regular pushups, running and pull ups.

We expect to learn the exact cause of death in the next few days from the medical examiner’s office.

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