Family, doctors not sure why soldier died

[DogPoundPup]

Source: Army Times

ENWOOD, Calif. — Doctors are still unsure about why a Sonoma County soldier on leave from Iraq died at his family’s home without showing signs of illness.

Dustin Mark Tucker, 22, was deployed in March as a gunner in the Army’s 7th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division out of Fort Hood, Texas. He returned home to Kenwood in late August for an 18-day leave, his first since being sent to Iraq.

On Aug. 27, two days into his leave, his parents and two brothers left him sleeping on the couch after a night spent watching movies. The next afternoon, his brothers discover him unconscious and not breathing, according to his family.

Doctors found Tucker had no brain function, and he was pronounced dead two days later, said his mother, Cindy Tucker. An autopsy Tuesday was inconclusive, and more tests are planned.

An Army officer also called from Baghdad and discussed examining Tucker’s living space and food and water supplies to search for clues to his death, she said.

“He has no family history or personal history of any kind of medical issues,” Cindy Tucker said. “He didn’t complain of not feeling well all week. He was happy. He was busy.”

The soldier only had complained of being tired and jetlagged after his return trip from Baghdad, which took him to Kuwait, Ireland and Atlanta before flights to Los Angeles and San Francisco, his family said.

Read more: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/09/ap_soldierdeath_090408/

[BrotherBuzz]

1. Other reports mention kidney failure

How does a soldier die at home on leave of kidney failure. How does a boy even get in the service with a bum kidney? He has no family history or personal history of any kind of medical issues.

Rest my brother, rest in peace.

[DogPoundPup]

2. Touching tribute ~

[MannyGoldstein]

3. Probably Unexpected Sudden Cardiac Arrest

The most common cause of death in the US - 900 deaths a day. Mostly happens to people 65 and older, but can happen to anyone - perversely, athletes and other people in great shape are twice as likely to get it than people who are in typical shape. Victim simply goes unconscious with no warning, and dies within 5-10 minutes unless they get defibrillated.