Services planned for DMV trainee who died of heat stroke

Timothy Charles Barnes, 38, of Rocky Mount, was training to be an inspector in the DMV's License and Theft Bureau at the North Carolina Justice Academy southeast of Asheville.

He collapsed on July 27 after physical training at the Edneyville facility.

Barnes was among 13 recruits who were doing a strength and endurance test, which included sprinting, push ups, sit ups and a 1.5 mile run, said DMV spokeswoman Marge Howell. The test was done in intervals with water breaks in between, she said.

Barnes was taken to Mission Hospital in Asheville where he died. His fiancée, Vernadette Garland, said the medical examiner told the family that he suffered heat stroke, which led to kidney failure and cardiac arrest.

Visitation will be held on Monday from 6-8 p.m. at Morning Star Baptist Church in Rocky Mount, Garland said. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday at the church.