Solider died in Iraq awaiting medical care and after multiple doctor visit

Catonsville soldier died of pulmonary embolism
Family says the death could have been prevented

By Liz F. Kay, The Baltimore Sun
11:59 p.m. EDT, October 12, 2010


An Army sergeant and Catonsville native died of a treatable ailment in Iraq last month while awaiting medical care and after multiple doctor visits, his family said.

Sgt. John F. Burner III, 32, died Sept. 16 in Iskandariya, Iraq, of a pulmonary embolism, his father said Tuesday.

A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood vessel in the lungs is blocked, usually by a clot. Patients are often given blood thinners, but if the clots are very large, they receive clot-busting drugs or undergo surgery.

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Catonsville soldier died of treatable illness, family says
Baltimore Sun