Michael’s Story
Michael Lee Sparling grew up in Northern California surrounded by his family and friends. At an early age Michael developed an adventurous spirit. He loved sports, camping and being outdoors. He played soccer and football, but his passion was snowboarding. After the devastation of 9/11 he decided in Middle School, his future calling would be following in his grandfather’s footsteps to be a soldier in the US Army. At the age of 21 Michael joined the US Army. He graduated OSUT training on April 29, 2011, his 22nd birthday at Fort Benning Georgia. We went to his graduation ceremony and afterwards his drill sergeant came up to us, shook Michael’s hand and said son, you will do great things. We had never seen so much pride our son had in himself that day. He grew into such a great man and leader.
Michael was able to come home for two weeks before reporting to his new station. He was so excited to be assigned to Fort Bliss in El Paso Texas, the same base where his grandfather had been stationed. During the time he was home Michael visited with family and friends and on Mother’s Day May 8, 2011, he was rebaptized. He left for his new base on May 11th.
On June 1, 2011, Michael was on a routine run with his squad, during this run Michael collapsed and went into full cardiac arrest. Although they were able to revive him three times, he suffered complete organ failure and passed away on June 1, 2011, at 11:17am.
We were devastated and beyond heartbroken. We wanted to know how a healthy, athletic young man could suffer these types of injuries just on a mild run.
It was discovered Michael had started taking a pre-workout supplement he had purchased at GNC on base called Jack3D also known as ‘Jacked’. He took the recommended serving size; however, he would never know this supplement contained a powerful stimulant called dimethylamine or DMAA for short. Some medical experts and health regulators say has similar effects on the body as amphetamines.
This supplement was removed from the base immediately after Michael’s death and in December 2011, the Defense Department removed all products containing DMAA from the stores on Military Bases.
In April 2012, federal health regulators issued a warning that the stimulant DMAA frequently raises blood pressure and heart rate and could lead to heart attacks. Dr Pieter Cohen, an assistant professor who has studied dietary supplements stated, “It’s a pharmaceutical-grade product which is being directly introduced into the supplement marketplace with absolutely no regulatory oversight.”
At the time of this incident, we learned two other soldiers died on his base after taking supplements with DMAA. There have been many others that have suffered lifelong health issues from taking pre-workout supplements.
To learn more about the federal indictment of the Jack3d creators, please see the following links:
IN BRIEF: USPLabs execs sentenced to prison in supplement fraud case | Reuters
This Foundation was created to honor Michael’s Legacy and his love for serving others. We hope to make him proud.
To learn more about the dangers of pre workout supplements please visit the
