Crime & Safety

Chicago Heights Marine Dies After Personal Training

Master Gunnery Sgt. James J. Petrongelli was a Bloom High School graduate, who entered the Marines nearly 30 years ago.

A Marine from Chicago Heights died after a workout last Thursday, Marine officials told the Jacksonville Daily News Friday.

Sgt. James J. Petrongelli, 46, who was based in New River, NC, was taken to Onslow Memorial Hospital after he collapsed while finishing personal physical training. The nearly 30-year Marine was pronounced dead at the hospital at 10:45 a.m., according to the Daily News. 

Read the original story by the Jacksonville Daily News.

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Petrongelli was deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2009 and has been moved around several other times throughout his career.

Petrongelli had several personal military decorations, listed below:

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  • Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with three gold stars in lieu of fourth award
  • Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal with a silver star 
  • Three bronze stars in lieu of ninth award
  • Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal 

The cause of death is still being investigated.

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