Army Reserve general dies after collapsing during physical fitness training

An Army Reserve major general died Friday at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, officials announced Saturday.

Maj. Gen. Francisco Espaillat collapsed Friday during individual physical training and was rushed by ambulance to Womack Army Medical Center, where medical staff pronounced him dead, according to a news release.

The 56-year-old, who was from New York City, was assigned to General Officer Support, Office of the Chief of Army Reserve, at Fort Belvoir, Virginia.

He received his second star only a couple of weeks ago, on March 27. He had been selected to serve as the chief of staff for U.S. Army Reserve Command.

"Just last month I had the privilege of promoting him in a low-key ceremony at my office in Washington, D.C.," said Lt. Gen. Charles Luckey, the Army Reserve chief and commanding general of U.S. Army Reserve Command, in a statement. "This was just his style, as a soldier he was humble, never seeking recognition. He was a splendid soldier who embodied leadership, energy and a relentless spirit of execution in everything he did."

Espaillat was a "wonderful human being," Luckey said.

"Our hearts and prayers are with his family during this time of shock and grief," he said.