Recruit Dies Despite 5 Visits To Navy Doctors

A Navy recruit found dead in his barracks bunk sought medical treatment five times in the eight days before his death and was never diagnosed with a serious illness, the military said.

The body of Airman Recruit Carlos Juan Godinez, 20, of Albuquerque, N.M., was found by a roommate Wednesday morning at Pensacola Naval Air Station, said Rod Duren, a spokesman for the Pensacola Naval Hospital.

The Navy and state medical examiners had not determined a cause of death, but foul play is not suspected. Further tests are being done.

Godinez had complained of a severe headache, nausea and dizziness, according to hospital records. He visited the hospital emergency room Jan. 31, three days after a trip to the base clinic.

Godinez returned to the hospital Feb. 2, and to the clinic each of the next two days, complaining of the same symptoms. He was found dead 26 hours after his final visit.

The recruit saw at least three physicians during his visits and was given medications to treat the symptoms he complained about, Duren said.

Godinez was also given medication for a urinary tract infection and an inflammation of his stomach and intestines.