Tracy man in coma after recruiting workout
by Justin Lafferty/TP news
Jul 20, 2009 | 4661 views | 42 42 comments | 38 38 recommendations | email to a friend | print
A Tracy man who was trying to shed weight to become a U.S. Marine is now in a coma, a family friend said.

U.S. Marine Corps recruiters told Danny Ruf, 22, he had to drop 12 pounds in order to start basic training, according to family friend Tim Durbin. Ruf, who weighs about 184 pounds, according to Durbin, is in critical condition at San Francisco’s Pacific Medical Center, undergoing treatment for possible kidney and liver failure.

“He wasn’t heavy at all,” Durbin said. “Apparently, he was outrunning the recruiters on 2- or 3-mile runs. … He’s a musclebound kid; he’s like a little bulldog.”

Durbin said Ruf weighed in on the 13th and started his workout the next day. Two Marine Corps recruiters were with him at In Shape City on Tracy Boulevard, running him on the treadmill and trying to have him sweat off some weight in the sauna. Durbin said the plan was for him to lose the 12 pounds by today, when he was supposed to enter basic training.

One of the recruiters noticed Ruf was looking lightheaded during the workout, Durbin said, and asked him to sit on a bench and rest.

The recruiters left the room and returned to find Ruf unconscious. He was taken to Sutter Tracy Community Hospital by ambulance and was later transferred to Pacific Medical Center. According to Durbin, when paramedics got to Ruf, his body temperature was 108 degrees.

Durbin said during a round of tests on Sunday, doctors found some patterns of brain activity.

“Our main concern is for him to get better, and our condolences are with the family, but we have no additional information,” said Capt. Warren Leong of the Marine Corps recruiting station in Sacramento.

Ruf signed up for the Marines a couple months ago, after he was laid off from his job as a mechanic for General Motors. He played soccer for two years at Tracy High School, Durbin said, before graduating in 2006. Durbin said Ruf doesn’t have medical insurance.

“EKG movement was pretty significant, so that’s a plus,” Durbin said, “but right now he’s still fighting for his life.”

Contact Tracy Press reporter Justin Lafferty at 830-4269 or jlafferty@tracypress.com.
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comments (42)
« crystalt wrote on Friday, Jul 24 at 09:55 AM »
New info on the fund for Danny

account# 2542070749

Thanks so much to everyone that has been able to help.
« jwoodall16 wrote on Wednesday, Jul 22 at 10:25 PM »
to everyone that knows danny no body knows this kid like i do he was my brother i would kill for this kid the first time i ever met this kid 3 years ago we wanted to beat eachothers asses and the 2nd day we ever met eachother he almost got into a fight and i was the only one backing him up at pleasanton in and out burger going quading and tubing hyper vipors lol if you dont know what a hyper vipor is you dont know danny lol but you will be missed bro i love you man rest in peace
« rottenrobbie wrote on Wednesday, Jul 22 at 09:22 PM »
One thing that really inspired me was Danny's passion for life. And boy could he talk... He recently told me that he went sky diving. The way he desribed it... You felt like you were with him as he jumped out the plane.... He had pictures of the plane above him as he fell toward earth.... Pretty cool pics. Wow,.. could he talk..Danny could keep you entertained for hours... I will really miss him and will think of him often.
« Jeff Harvey wrote on Wednesday, Jul 22 at 05:20 PM »
To Danny's granparents:

Could you please send me an email so that I can correspond with you regarding the services?

jharve@att.net

Danny's coach
« grandparents wrote on Wednesday, Jul 22 at 04:02 PM »
As Danny's grandparents, we are simply overwhelmed by all the outpouring of warmth and deep feelings towards Danny after his untimely departure. It is so sad that it often takes a tragedy for us to realize what we had. Only when someone close to us is gone do we realize the impact that person has made in our life. Please take care of your loved ones while you can and enjoy life to the fullest.

We are still coping with the loss, but we want to thank all of you for your kind remarks, remembering Danny for what he stood for and for his unrelenting drive to help others.

A Memorial Service is still in the planning phase with more information to come.

Thank you again from our heart.

Danny's Grandparents in Saint Louis, MO
« crystalt wrote on Wednesday, Jul 22 at 03:21 PM »
A fund is now set up for Danny.

Bank of America on Grantline RD in Tracy.

You can go to any Bank of America.

Thank you so much
« ownthehome wrote on Wednesday, Jul 22 at 02:58 PM »
My deepest sympathy to the family. My heart is torn. I wish I would have spent more time chatting with Danny. He really looked out for my son and I am so grateful. I can still see him driving his pretty truck with his baseball cap on backwards and his big beautiful smile. He made a mistake that cost him his life and ALL IS FORGIVEN. I believe he is in the USMCH (United States Marine Corp Heaven). His heart was pure and that is what you immediately noticed about Danny. No one is perfect and I rebuke all of you busybodies and gossips!! Shame on you!! God doesn't like ugly and not crazy about pretty either!! YOU REST IN PEACE SWEET DANNY AND STRENGTH AND PEACE TO THE FAMILY!! LOVE AND HUGS TO YOU ALL!!
« Katie0515 wrote on Wednesday, Jul 22 at 01:43 PM »
When I recieved the news of Danny passing away I was shocked, and saddened. I have known danny for years, we all used to hang out at the bowling alley like everday, All the girls would watch a group of guys (danny and friends) playing yugioh cards! Lol yes that is right Yugioh cards! Those were the days!! He was the one who introduced my sister to her boyfriend,and because of his amazing matchmaking skills they have been together for years and now I have a beautiful niece, and I am truley greatful to him for that. For being a great friend and for always being there for those he cared about! How is it that someone can be here one day and gone the next? It makes me sad...and yet makes me realize not to take the people I love for granted...you just never know...as unfair as it is, you never know...To his family and friends, You are all in my prayers and my heart, and know that you son, grandson, and friend was an amazing person and will forever be missed. R.I.P. Danny.
« szimmermann wrote on Wednesday, Jul 22 at 12:26 PM »
Rest in Peace Danny! You were a great friend to me and I am deeply saddened by the news of your passing. Please let me know when services for Danny will be. I know many of his friends including myself would like to attend.
« kelly22 wrote on Wednesday, Jul 22 at 11:48 AM »
I have known Danny since my sophomore year in high school, he was always one of those guys who was full of life and just wanted to have a good time. Danny was the one who introduced me to my boyfriend and for that i owe him my happiness. Danny was a remarkable person and one of the greatest friends i will ever have. We have all lost someone very special and it kills me to think that there will be no more camping trips with him riding his quad up the mountains. To his family i would just like to say how very sorry i am. Danny i love you and will keep you in my heart forever.
« carpetman280 wrote on Wednesday, Jul 22 at 11:34 AM »
Very sorry to hear about danny my thoughts go out to the family lately I have seen someone jogging in the neighborhood with a backback on. I told my son that I thought he was training for military I am wondering If it was danny that I saw. He had big tatooes on his arms. Hopefully danny is at peace
« CSigg17 wrote on Wednesday, Jul 22 at 11:30 AM »
i just want to say that danny was an amazing person, he was there for me WHENEVER i needed him. no matter where he was, he would drop what he was doing to help out a friend.

i love you bro. RIP
« FRIENDSHIP wrote on Wednesday, Jul 22 at 11:08 AM »
Dear Reply 1,

I am a friend of Danny mom and don't want to call and bother her but if there is anything I can do for her or anyone just let me know. I am praying for her I can't even imagine what she is going through give her a big hug for me and if there is anything I can do just let me know you email me at bhbhalways@aol.com
« greatgooglymoogly wrote on Wednesday, Jul 22 at 11:05 AM »
First and foremost, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the family and friends of this young man. It's a tragedy and I will keep you all in my prayers.

Second of all, quit pointing the finger at the Recruiters. I understand your point of view, but at the same time, each person must take responsibility of their actions, regardless of the outcome. Whether it be joining the military, running in 108 degree heat, signing a contract, etc., there are consequences to the choices we make. I'm not trying to sound heartless, because this situation is so sad, but at the same time, there are only lessons to be learned, not blood to be drawn. Instead of getting angry, take the time to mourn and learn valuable lesson about taking care of yourself.
« reply1 wrote on Wednesday, Jul 22 at 10:40 AM »
Dear Jeff Harvey,

He has passed as of 07/21/2009 8:40pm California time. He waited for hours to hear from his grandparents. Once the call ended, Danny left us all.

This just should have never happened and could have been avoided. Pray that this will not happen to anyone else.... What a TERRIBLE TRAVESTY!

His Mom NEVER left his side... She also needs prayers to help her through this horrible time....
« ConcernedNeighbor wrote on Wednesday, Jul 22 at 10:16 AM »
Jeff Harvey, he isn't gone, he is fighting for his life... in a coma???

“EKG movement was pretty significant, so that’s a plus,” Durbin said, “but right now he’s still fighting for his life.”

Just too incensed about the recruitors to make any comments.

I hope he is not gone, still praying for his recovery.
« jeffharvey wrote on Wednesday, Jul 22 at 10:01 AM »
I was one of Danny's soccer coaches at Tracy High. He was a hardworking player whom I enjoyed the game of soccer with. I am so sorry to hear of his loss and my thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. I plan to attend his services, if they are open to the public.

Jeff Harvey
« FRIENDSHIP wrote on Wednesday, Jul 22 at 09:46 AM »
Random123

I have known Danny's mom for over 10 year and he was her world I don't think you know what you are talking about how could you post something like that when you know her heart is breaking. You must not have a heart!!!!! And you must not know Danny's mom very well either!!! If you don't have anything good to say then don't post it. How would you feel if someone said that about you.My thoughts and prayers are there for you Danny's mom!!!!! You are the BEST!!!
« anonymous wrote on Wednesday, Jul 22 at 08:36 AM »
As a former Marine, My deepest sympathies go out to this family. As to the story, I am flabbergasted that the Recruiters assisted in this and told this young man to loose 12 pounds at 180lbs. I joined the USMC at 5'8" 242 lbs, and after boot camp was 165lbs. So its unbelievable to think they have to make weight before boot camp. I am deeply saddened by this story and for someone who the USMC helped put on the right track in life and saved me from prison or death, it also bothers me deeply.

Those who are against enlistment in the service or now in the Tracy area for that matter are only strengthened by this story.

My thoughts and prayers go out to this family and even though Danny never made graduation from boot camp, he showed the heart and desire of a REAL Marine.. Semper Fi. May he rest in peace !!

« random123 wrote on Wednesday, Jul 22 at 08:27 AM »
Tink funny you mention his mom, anyone that knows her shouldn't feel bad at all if anything she is glad she didn't kill him herself, I have personally watched that lady hit him with glass bottles over the head just for not saying hi when she came home...

Stupidity leads to consequences...see ya in the after life.

I love ya bro, RIP.


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