Trainee Dies at BMT

: A 26-year-old basic trainee died at JB San Antonio, Tex., after completing his physical training assessment, which includes push-ups, sit-ups, and a 1.5-mile run. Steven D. Williams, of Detroit, Mich., collapsed early on the morning of Oct. 19, according to a base release. He died in the hospital later that morning. Officials had not released the cause of death, as of Oct, 21, pending an autopsy. “This is a tragic event and the men and women of the 37th Training Wing are grieving this loss. The entire Air Force family sends its condolences to the family and the friends of the airman,” said Col. Eric Axelbank, 37th Training Wing commander. “We hope the family finds comfort in knowing that his performance in basic military training was commendable and that he earned the respect of his instructors and his fellow trainees.” Williams served as the dorm chief while at BMT, the highest leadership position among trainees, according to the release.