A training run in Crown Heights turned tragic last Friday morning when 29-year-old New York State court officer recruit Saul Castro collapsed and later died at a hospital, just days into his academy career.
Castro, who had been sworn into the Court Officers Academy less than five days earlier, fell ill during a run along a training route near 541 St. John's Place by Classon Avenue after he began having trouble breathing. Medics rushed him from the scene, and he was pronounced dead the following day at a hospital, according to the New York Daily News. The city's Office of Chief Medical Examiner will determine his cause of death.
Heat and Conditions
Temperatures across the city were warm and sticky that day, with Central Park reaching a high of about 85°F, according to the National Weather Service's climate summary. The report lists a maximum of 85°F and an average temperature near 79°F, reflecting the humid conditions during the time of the training run.
Academy Timeline and Reaction
Castro had just started what was expected to be a long public service career. He was sworn into his recruit class the Monday before he fell ill and had been at the academy less than five days, records show, per the New York Daily News. Documents reviewed by the outlet indicate he scored 90.5 on last year's entrance exam and placed 2,138 out of more than 14,500 test takers.
Stephen Mikos told the paper he "felt horrible for the family and the situation," reflecting the shock that rippled through the court system. The New York State Unified Court System notes that the Crown Heights academy provides both classroom instruction and physical conditioning as part of its recruit training program (New York State Unified Court System).
The Office of Chief Medical Examiner will conduct an autopsy and any necessary toxicology testing to determine the cause and manner of death. Officials said they will release additional information when it becomes available.
