A Marine died over the weekend after collapsing on his 30th birthday days prior while training to deploy to Central America.
Sgt. Mark Bryant, a reservist with Missouri-based Combat Logistics Regiment 4, died May 11 at New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington, North Carolina, Marine Corps Times reported Tuesday. Bryant had collapsed at Camp Lejeune, about 75 miles northeast of the hospital, on May 7 while completing a training run with his unit.
Bryant had turned 30 years old on the day of the run.
He was a certified emergency medical technician who was planning to pursue a degree to become a physician's assistant, according to his obituary.
"We are deeply saddened to confirm the death of Sergeant Mark Bryant," Maj. Matthew Mallalieu, a spokesman for the Southern Command task force, told Marine Corps Times. "... Our thoughts and condolences are with the family and friends of Sergeant Bryant, and we remain committed to supporting them throughout this difficult time."
Bryant received immediate care on the scene following his collapse, Marine Corps Times reported. He was then transported to the hospital via flight for life, according to the paper.
Bryant, who was from Lee's Summit, Missouri, outside Kansas City where his Reserve unit is based, served 11 years in the Marine Corps, his obituary states. He is survived by his fiancée, Rachelle Price; his parents; and his brother, a Marine corporal, it adds.
"He had a soft spot for rescuing animals in need of a home," the obituary states. "He enjoyed classical music and played the violin. He also enjoyed movies and was a military and world history buff."
-- Gina Harkins can be reached at gina.harkins@military.com. Follow her on Twitter @ginaaharkins.
