Jacksonville student who died while taking FSCJ fire academy exam identified

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A student who died while taking a Florida State College at Jacksonville fire academy exam has been identified.

Xavier Allen Jr., 23, died on Saturday after taking a physical fitness test to get into FSCJ's fire academy.

Officials said Allen passed out after the test. He was taken to the hospital, where he died.

Allen's mother told Action News Jax he was so excited and wanted nothing more than to become a firefighter.

She said he had no medical history that would explain his death.

Officials said an autopsy will determine Allen's cause of death.

“Our hearts and prayers go out to his family,” Sheldon Reed, director of Fire Academy of the South, said.

“(He was) someone that was answering a calling to be a part of the fire service, and was willing to commit to a career of serving others,” Reed said.

Reed said the test measures minimum aerobic capacity and strength to begin firefighters training.

Reed said in order to take the test, every student had to have a physical.

A set of baseline vitals was also taken that morning, Reed said.

Reed said Allen passed it.

The school is now taking a closer look at the program.

FSCJ sent a statement over the weekend after Allen died:

The FSCJ community is deeply saddened to report that a student has died following a Fire Fighter application exercise. Our deepest sympathies go out to the family as we grieve the loss of a young man with a desire to serve others through public service. As we await medical results, we stand ready to assist the family. Our 24/7 student assistance program is available to students by calling (904) 384-1800."

Cox Media Group