ALBANY, N.Y. -- Five fellow recruits trained in emergency medical care tried to save the life of a state trooper who collapsed and died Friday morning while they were on a training run through the University at Albany campus, Superintendent Joseph A. D'Amico said.
Trooper Donald R. Fredenburg, 23, was in his 10th day at the at State Police Academy when he grabbed his side and fell over about a quarter mile into a 6:30 a.m. run, troopers said.
UAlbany borders the State Police Academy at the W. Averell Harriman State Office Building Campus.
Fredenburg, who came to the State Police from the Marines had "no known medical history," D'Amico said. Fredenburg, known to friends as D.J., lived with other recruits and had never complained to them about medical problems, he said.
"He was dedicated, hardworking and extremely trustworthy," the superintendent said at a 3 p.m. news conference.
Troopers restarted Fredenburg's heart with an automated external defibrillator. He was taken to Albany Medical Center Hospital emergency room but died about an hour later at about 7:30 a.m.
The cause of death not clear. An autopsy is expected to be done some time Friday. Other tests may take longer, D'Amico said.Fredenburg, served as a Marine from 2009 until 2013 and was in his second week of training at the State Police Academy. He remained in the Marine reserves.
Fredenburg is survived by his wife, Angela, as well as his father, Donald Sr., and his mother, Joanne Cowley.
The funeral will include full military and State Police honors, D'Amico said.
Though Fredenburg was in training, he had taken his oath and was therefore a trooper. "And he'll be mourned that way," D'Amico said.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo ordered flags on all state government buildings to be lowered to half staff on Monday on all state government buildings.
"He represented the ideal of service to another that defines the State Police so well," Cuomo said in a statement released by his office. "My heart goes out to the friends and family of Trooper Fredenburg."
Copyright 2015 - Times Union, Albany, N.Y.
Tribune News Service
