A 31-year-old Columbia County Fire Rescue recruit died Wednesday after a training exercise.

Kalif Leslie Daly reported not feeling well during morning physical training, the county said Wednesday in a prepared statement. He "was transported to the hospital, where he later passed," according to the statement.

"This loss has deeply affected us all," Columbia County Fire Chief Jeremy Wallen said. "Columbia County Fire Rescue is more than a department. We are family. The bond we share, the brotherhood and sisterhood of the fire service, is built on trust, strength and shared purpose. Though his time with us was far too short, he will always be a member of the Columbia County Fire Rescue family."

The county said it has extended its "deepest condolences to the recruit’s wife and family, frien

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