Military recruits face deadly rhabdomyolysis risk as cases rise nationwide
(InvestigateTV) — Kiara Evans had dreamed of military service her entire life, following in the footsteps of her father and brother. At 20 years old, the Louisiana native enlisted in the Navy in 2019, eager to serve her country and make her family proud.
“I was very proud and I just supported her decision,” said her mother, Kenya Evans, recalling her daughter’s excitement about joining the armed forces.
But weeks into boot camp near Chicago, that dream turned into a family’s worst nightmare.
During a routine physical fitness assessment, Kiara collapsed during a run. Within hours, she was gone — another casualty of a rare but potentially fatal condition called rhabdomyolysis.
“They said that she was in the hospital. She was in critical condition. And I’m asking them what happened. And they said that she fell during the 1.5 mile run,” Kenya Evans recalled of the devastating phone call.
Kiara’s death from exertional rhabdomyolysis has become part of a troubling trend affecting America’s military, where cases of the muscle breakdown condition are increasing among service members, particularly recruits undergoing intense physical training.
Watch the full investigation in the video at the top of this story.
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