Coast Guard Recruit Who Collapsed and Died Was Heart Donor

STAFFORD, VA — Aaron Redd, the 21-year-old Coast Guard recruit from Stafford who collapsed and died July 1 after a physical fitness run was at a New Jersey training center an organ donor whose heart helped save the life of another.

His mother, Eileen Redd, plans to write a letter to the recipient through the Gift of Life Foundation, according to The Press of Atlantic City.

“He wanted to save lives and now his incredibly strong, beautiful heart continues to beat on,” the family wrote in his obituary.

It's unclear why Redd collapsed after the 1.5-mile run. He died five days later.

Chief Warrant Officer John Edwards said it could take several months for the Coast Guard to complete its investigation and release the results.

In a letter to his friends, Eileen and Franklin Redd said their son was devoted to family and friends, and that their religious faith had helped them cope with the loss.

“Some would say his life was cut short. We disagree. God doesn’t make mistakes,” they wrote. “Please celebrate Aaron all the time. He hasn’t left us really. He’s standing guard,” they said. “Make his silly faces, dance a little and come visit his parents. We’d love that.”