A U.S. Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) cadet died suddenly on Thursday during Cadet Summer Training at Fort Knox in Kentucky.
In a Saturday statement on Facebook, U.S. Army Cadet Command confirmed that 22-year-old Cadet Neil Edara was killed during Thursday’s Cadet Summer Training at Fort Knox’s Land Navigation site. U.S. Army Cadet Command noted that Edara joined the ROTC in September of 2021 at Rutgers University and confirmed that Edara was participating in Cadet Summer Training at Fort Knox as part of the 9th Regiment, Advanced Camp.
“Edara became unresponsive while conducting Land Navigation Training. He received immediate medical attention and was medically evacuated by helicopter to the University of Louisville, where he was pronounced deceased by medical professionals,” U.S. Army Cadet Command stated. “At this time, the cause of death is under investigation.”
According to WLKY, Cadet Summer Training is the largest annual training event for U.S. Army cadets. The outlet noted that over 7,000 ROTC cadets from various universities and colleges participate in Basic Camp or Advanced Camp training each year. WLKY reported that the Cadet Summer Training Advanced Camp lasts 35 days and is required if cadets want to be commissioned as a second lieutenant.
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Following Thursday’s incident with Edara, U.S. Army Cadet Command said, “Safety of cadets and cadre remains U.S. Army Cadet Command’s top priority as training continues. Cadets have access to religious affairs or spiritual counseling and support as required.”
In Saturday’s statement, Lt. Col. Timothy Sorensen, a military science professor at Rutgers University, said, “Cadet Edara was one of the most dedicated and promising young leaders I’ve had the privilege to know.”
“His calm collected demeanor and unwavering commitment to excellence left a lasting impact on everyone around him,” Sorensen added. “His loss is deeply felt across the entire ROTC and Rutgers community. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”
A picture of Edara was shared Saturday on X, formerly Twitter.
