A 25-year-old Daytona Beach Police recruit who had always dreamed of being a police officer died after collapsing less than a week after achieving his dream.
Thomas Coulter died Monday morning after he collapsed about 8:30 a.m. Friday during a jogging and walking exercise, which included stops for pushups and stretching, said Police Chief Craig Capri during a press conference Monday morning.
Coulter was taken to Halifax Health Medical Center on Fridasy and appeared to be recovering before his condition worsened and he died about 4:30 a.m. Monday, Capri said.
"This young man, all he wanted to do was be a police officer," Capri said. "Talking with the family he wanted to be a police officer. That was his life’s dream, since he was a little kid. That was his goal and he did meet his goal."
The chief said Coulter had not complained of feeling ill before he collapsed during the training around Lake Valor outside the Police Department. Coulter was talking after he collapsed, Capri said.
But he was eventually intubated the hospital, although Capri said he was able to hear people around him and squeeze his wife's hand.
Coulter had passed a physical exam before he was hired.
Capri said he hopes the autopsy will provide some answers as to what happened.
He said exercises were not considered strenuous and Coutler had just started the training on May 14 with 22 other recruits.
Coulter had always dreamed of being a police officer, Capri said.
Coulter was originally from New Jersey but had moved to the area and was married to his high school sweetheart, Capri said. They had no children.
Coulter will receive full police honors.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.