The Air Force Academy said a cadet suddenly died on Monday after he collapsed while walking to class.
Cadet 3rd Class Hunter Brown, 21, was walking to class from his dorm when he experienced a “medical emergency,” the Air Force Academy said in a statement. Monday was the first day of class following the winter break.
First responders performed lifesaving measures, but Brown ultimately passed away. Officials have not yet determined a cause of death.
Brown was a sophomore member of the Air Force Falcons football team. He played on the offensive line and appeared in two games during the 2022 season.
The Air Force Academy said cadets were notified of Brown’s sudden death on Tuesday.
“It is with a heavy heart and profound sadness I share with you that we have lost one of our own,” Brig. Gen. Paul D. Moga, commandant of cadets, told cadets. “He leaves behind friends, grieving teammates, a grieving cadet wing, and a devastated family.”
In a statement, Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Richard M. Clark commemorated Brown.
“Hunter was a standout offensive lineman on the Falcon football team and was well-respected in his squadron,” Clark said. “The entire U.S. Air Force Academy mourns his loss, and our hearts and condolences are with his family, his squadron, and all who were touched by this incredible young man.”
Troy Calhoun, head coach of the Air Force Falcons football team, said:
Our players, staff and entire Academy have been so blessed and fortunate to have Hunter as a part of our lives. He was a pure joy to coach and have as a teammate. He was tough, a great worker, and no one unselfishly pulled harder for others than Hunter. His mom and dad, Candyce and Dustin, raised a wonderful son who made each of us a better person. We love our great brother, and our thoughts and prayers are with Hunter’s incredible soul and his family.
The Air Force Academy said the Air Force Office of Special Investigations and the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office are investigating Brown’s tragic death.