Mo. paramedic working out alone found dead under weights, police say

Another gym member found Dolores Boschert at about 2:50 a.m., tried to perform first aid and called for help

Kaitlyn AlanisThe Charlotte Observer

ST. CHARLES, Mo. — A 23-year-old paramedic was working out in a Missouri gym when she became pinned by a barbell and died, police said.

"She was all by herself, there was no one else in the gym," St. Charles Police Capt. Ray Floyd told KSDK.

Another gym member found Dolores Boschert at about 2:50 a.m., about 20 minutes after police believe she became trapped under the weights, according to a news release.

First responders said she was squatting on a Smith Machine, a piece of weight-training equipment, before her legs gave out.

"We believe she either lost her balance or a muscle gave out and she fell forward and the weights she was using pinned her to the floor," Floyd told KSDK. "We believe she probably died from asphyxiation."

The other gym-goer tried rendering first aid and called for help before Boschert was pronounced dead, according to the news release.

"The incident was fully investigated and found to be a tragic, accidental death," police said.

Boschert recently graduated from the fire academy, police said, and was a paramedic with Christian Hospital Emergency Medical Services.

"Our deepest and most sincere condolences go out to the family and friends of the member," a Club Fitness spokesperson said in a statement to McClatchy News. "As an organization dedicated to improving lives through fitness, we strive to ensure the health and safety of our members and to assure a positive experience at every Club Fitness facility. We are continuing to work with local authorities to investigate this incident."

Boschert was described as "an amazing person who dedicated years of her life to Christian Hospital EMS."

The week before her death, she was named "Paramedic of the Year" with her employer.

"If you’re in or around the EMS field, you knew Dolo and her vibrant energy," Christian Hospital EMS said on Facebook. "She always lit up any room she entered with her bright personality and bouncing energy. She had the greatest outlook on life and was always able to see the positive in all situations. We are grateful for the memories we made with Dolores that will stick with us the rest of our lives."

Ferguson Fire Department lowered flags at both engine houses in her honor.

St. Charles is about 30 miles northwest of St. Louis.

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