Barksdale ground accident report released Published April 25, 2008 By Staff Reports LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. -- Hypertensive cardiovascular disease (high blood pressure), related to Left Ventricular Hypertrophy caused the sudden cardiac death of a Barksdale Airman outside the Barksdale Fitness Center during a physical training test January 24, according to a report released today. Senior Airman William Smith III was on the last lap of a 1.5-mile run as part of his annual physical fitness assessment when he collapsed. Squadron members immediately responded and found the Airman unconscious and not breathing. Fitness Center staff responded with an emergency medical kit and an automated external defibrillator, but despite multiple shocks and continued CPR, Airman Smith did not regain a pulse or consciousness. He was transported to Christus Schumpert Main Hospital where advance rescue measures were continued without success. Airman Smith was pronounced dead by the attending physician of the hospital Emergency Department. For more information on the investigation of this mishap, contact Air Combat Command Public Affairs at (757) 764-5007 or e-mail accpa.operations@langley.af.mil.