Woburn Man Dies During Essex County Sheriff's Department Training

WOBURN, MA — A Woburn man died suddenly Tuesday at the Essex County Sheriff Department's Basic Training Academy, Sheriff Kevin Coppinger said.

Anish Khalifa, 29, of Woburn, died during physical fitness exercises at Northern Essex Community College. He was a training recruit with the department and started at the academy in April. He was also a reserve officer with the Woburn Police Department.

“Our hearts are heavy with the unexpected passing of this fine young man,” Coppinger said in a statement. “Our training officers were with him at the time and immediately began to perform CPR and other life-saving measures, but tragically were unable to revive him. Our hearts and prayers are with his family during this very difficult time.”

Khalifa began to show signs of distress during a run, a department spokeswoman said. He was taken to Holy Family Hospital in Haverhill, where he was pronounced dead.

Khalifa's face was not covered during the run.

Recruits undergo rigorous medical and physical fitness evaluations at the start of training, which began in April, according to the department's news release.

“These recruits have a deep desire to serve their community by becoming correctional officers. I know they will be mourning the loss of their friend for a long time,” Sheriff Coppinger said. “I offer my condolences to the class, and to the training officers who have been working closely with this young man for several weeks. I thank them for their heroic efforts to save his life. The department will be feeling this young man’s loss for a very long time.”

Academy recruits and training officers were offered grief counseling on Wednesday, the department said.

All untimely deaths are investigated by the Essex County District Attorney's Office, the department spokeswoman said, but no foul play is suspected.