VOORHEESVILLE — A candidate to become an Albany County deputy sheriff died this morning after he collapsed while running during a physical fitness test.

The death of Michael P. Fennelly, 21, of 50 Southgate Road, Loudonville, is under investigation, deputies said.

The sheriff's office and Albany County Civil Service Department were conducting physical fitness tests with seven candidates at Voorheesville High School when Fennelly collapsed while running the required 1.5 miles, deputies said. Paramedics responded and performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and Fennelly was taken to St. Peter's Hospital, deputies said.

Fennelly had provided medical clearance from his physician to perform the tests, which included pushups, situps and the run, deputies said, and the tests were performed under the supervision of a certified physical fitness instructor.