08/14/2026
This is why we advocate for updated safety and health protocols.
I know the mana who created this foundation in honor of her son who lost his life due to sudden cardiac arrest.
We have been waiting to share more about the young Marine recruit who suffered a medical emergency during a Physical Fitness Test at Camp Pendleton.
Pvt. Aiden Craig, just 18 years old, suffered a sudden cardiac arrest--the most common cause of death during exercise--on August 1 and died at the hospital on August 5.
Our hearts and prayers are with Aiden’s family, friends, fellow Marines, and everyone who loved this young man who had so much life ahead of him.
His death is also a painful reminder of why we continue to advocate for cardiac screening of military recruits. EKG screening can identify more than 80% of the heart conditions that put young people at risk for Sudden Cardiac Arrest—conditions that often have no warning signs.
Lion Heart Heroes has been urging the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego to implement cardiac screening for twelve years. We hope this tragic loss strengthens the urgency to act.
