Command announces accident investigation board findings Published Sept. 4, 2009 ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Air Force Reserve Command released Sept. 4 the results of its investigation into the death of an Air Force reservist March 7, 2009. An Accident Investigation Board determined Tech. Sgt. Mitchell M. McClain died because of an abnormal heartbeat and coronary artery disease after completing a mandatory fitness assessment at McGuire AFB, N.J. The board based its findings on a post-mortem examination by the Burlington County (N.J.) medical examiner's office and other relevant medical documentation. Sergeant McClain was a traditional reservist in the 35th Aerial Port Squadron at McGuire AFB. In civilian life he was a Philadelphia firefighter and emergency medical technician. Sergeant McClain and 17 other squadron members began their annual fitness test at about 10 a.m. on March 7. After completing the required sit-ups and pushups, they went to the track at the base fitness center to complete the required 1.5-mile run. After Sergeant McClain finished the run, he immediately lay on the ground and complained of being very tired. After fellow members of the squadron took him to the fitness center and he laid down again, he began to shake, roll his eyes and appear to be unconscious. Cardio pulmonary resuscitation and automated external defibrillator protocol were performed at the scene and en route to a civilian hospital in Mount Holly. Sergeant McClain died at Virtua Memorial Hospital approximately one hour after completing the fitness assessment.