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CAPE MAY, N.J. (AP) — A Coast Guard recruit from Virginia who collapsed and died after a physical fitness run at a New Jersey training center has been made an honorary graduate.
The Coast Guard says Aaron Redd received the honor during Friday's graduation ceremony for his recruit company at the Coast Guard Training Center in Cape May.
It's unclear why 21-year-old Redd, of Stafford, collapsed July 1 after a 1.5-mile run at the center. He died five days later.
Redd's parents say Friday's honor helped their son fulfill his dream of becoming a Coast Guardsman.
Capt. Owen Gibbons says Redd and his family "are forever part of our Coast Guard family now."
Following Redd's death, his heart was donated to a person in need of a transplant through the Gift of Life program.
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