Official Collapses, Dies After a Fitness Workout
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SAN BERNARDINO — The county tax collector-treasurer died of a heart attack just minutes after taking part in an exercise class sponsored to reduce stress and improve health among county executives, the coroner said.
Joe Bell, 62, collapsed Wednesday in a locker room after the fitness class at the San Bernardino YMCA, Coroner Brian McCormick said.
The class is intended to foster good health among county officials, he said.
“In this case, it didn’t,” McCormick said. “The program is an outstanding program; it shouldn’t be viewed in a negative sense because of this.”
Bell’s medical records indicated that he had not experienced heart problems and had no recent illnesses, McCormick said. He had seen a doctor for a physical before joining the program, he added.
No changes were expected to be made in the exercise program, County Administrative Officer Harry Mays said. Mays said there have been no other problems during the program.
About 100 of the 240 eligible department heads have participated in the program, which is funded by reserves in the county’s life insurance program, Mays said.
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