Agents of theAir Force Office of Special Investigations and the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the Jan. 9 death of an Air Force Academy cadet who was a standout offensive lineman on the Falcon football team.
Cadet 3rd Class Hunter Brown
Foul play is not suspected, and such investigations are routine for on-base deaths, the Academy said in a release.
Cadet 3rd Class Hunter Brown, 21, of Lake Charles, Louisiana, experienced a medical emergency while leaving his dormitory for class on Monday morning, the release said. Academy first responders were immediately called and attempted life saving measures but they were not successful.
“Hunter was a standout offensive lineman on the Falcon football team and was well-respected in his squadron,” Lt. Gen. Richard M. Clark, U.S. Air Force Academy Superintendent, said in the release. “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.”
Brig. Gen. Paul D. Moga, commandant of cadets, assembled the cadet wing before classes on Tuesday, saying, “It is with a heavy heart and profound sadness I share with you that we have lost one of our own. He leaves behind friends, grieving teammates, a grieving cadet wing, and a devastated family.”
Brown was assigned to Cadet Squadron 16 and was pursuing a major in management, a minor in French, and had completed back-to-back winning seasons in 2021 and 2022 with Falcon football. Brown graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School in May 2021.
“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,” Troy Calhoun, head football coach, said in the release. “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.”
Moga assured cadets a full complement of support services including Academy chaplains, mental health professionals and others were already in place for cadets, faculty and staff. Cadets had the option to access services in lieu of morning classes.