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.
account# 2542070749
Thanks so much to everyone that has been able to help.
Could you please send me an email so that I can correspond with you regarding the services?
jharve@att.net
Danny's coach
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
Bank of America on Grantline RD in Tracy.
You can go to any Bank of America.
Thank you so much
i love you bro. RIP
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
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.
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....
“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.
Jeff Harvey
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!!!
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 !!
Stupidity leads to consequences...see ya in the after life.
I love ya bro, RIP.