SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) -- Recruit officer Jon-Marques Psalms was in top physical shape when he suffered a medical emergency during a training exercise at San Francisco Police Department Academy and died in a hospital two days later. According to a wrongful death lawsuit filed in court this week, the 30-year-old SFPD recruit was participating in a combat drill known as "Red Man" on August 20, 2025. "Jon participated in a high-intensity training exercise commonly referred to as a 'Red Man' drill. The drill involved strenuous calisthenics designed to significantly elevate recruits’ heart rates prior to a simulated combat scenario," attorneys with the firm Brad Gage Law wrote. Jon-Marques Psalms (Photos courtesy Brad Gage Law) Recruits were grouped by pairs, and Psalms was paired with a recruit who had a background in wrestling. During the strenuous drill, Psalms began suffering from a condition that ultra endurance athletes refer to as "rhabdo." During the "Red Man" drill, Psalms collapsed face-down on the ground. He was transported in an ambulance to UCSF Medical Center, was placed in a medically-induced coma, and died on August 22, 2025. Psalms lived in San Francisco and worked in the tech industry before pursuing his passion to become a law enforcement officer, SFPD officials said. He joined the SFPD Academy on May 5, 2025, found a sense of purpose, and tightly bonded with his fellow recruits in the Class of 286, officials said. Psalms was in "excellent physical health," the lawsuit writes. He was a recreational runner, held a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and had no known medical conditions that would have impaired his ability to participate in academy training. He cause of death was from rhabdomyolysis, also known as "rhabdo," and a brain injury triggered by the drill, attorneys claim. "Jon died as a result of Post-Exertional Secondary Rhabdomyolysis and Cerebral Hypoxic-Ischemic Brain Injury due to Post-Exertional Cardiac Arrhythmogenic Collapse/Syncope due to Congenital Cardiomyopathy and Channelopathy," the lawsuit writes. "Rhabdomyolysis can be attributed to exogenous triggers and environmental factors such as strenuous exercise, febrile infections and heat stroke, combined with predisposing genotypes." Jon-Marques Psalms (Photo courtesy Brad Gage Law) According to the CDC, rhabdo occurs when damaged muscle tissue releases its proteins and electrolytes into the blood, which can damage organs and lead to death. Referred to as "Red Man" training for the color of protective gear worn -- the drills are intended to teach recruits how to defend themselves against combative suspects. The drills are one of the most challenging tests at police academies. "The supervisory personnel were not trained to ensure that intense training would not harm the employees," attorneys wrote. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of the recruit's mother and father, Christina Psalms and Marcus Psalms. SFPD, the City of San Francisco, and SFPD's police chief are named as defendants. Attorneys are demanding a jury trial for allegations including battery, assault, wrongful death, and negligence. Jon-Marques Psalms (Photo courtesy Brad Gage Law) A San Francisco City Attorney's Office communications director told KRON4 Thursday, "Recruit Officer Psalms death is a tragedy, and our thoughts are with his loved ones. We will review the complaint and respond in court." The lawsuit claims that "intentional actions" committed by the defendants caused Psalms to suffered "catastrophic" fatal injuries. If Psalms' previously unknown medical conditions had been identified as part of the police academy intake screening procedures, he would still be alive today, the suit states. The recruit's parents also said SFPD kept them in the dark about what happened to their son. A sergeant called them and said their son was being evaluated for dehydration following intensive calisthenics. "Plaintiffs were not informed that Jon had been found unconscious or face down on the ground. Defendants concealed evidence, part of a Code of Silence," the suit states. "Plaintiffs were provided conflicting and inconsistent accounts regarding the events at the Academy." When his mother arrived at the hospital, she was informed for the first time that her son was suffering from rhabdomyolysis and a brain bleed. Shortly thereafter, he experienced respiratory distress and cardiac arrest, was placed on life support, and never regained consciousness. An SFPD spokesperson told KRON4, "We are precluded from commenting on pending litigation." ...read more read less