Air Force cadet, offensive lineman Hunter Brown dead at 21

Air Force cadet and offensive lineman Hunter Brown died on Monday morning after a medical emergency while leaving his dormitory at the Air Force Academy, the school announced. Brown was 21.

An investigation into the death is underway, as is standard practice for an active service member or on-base death. A Lake Charles, Louisiana, native, Brown was a sophomore who had completed two seasons as an offensive lineman on the Falcons football team.

“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,” Air Force head coach Troy Calhoun said in a 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.”

The superintendent of the Air Force Academy, Lieutenant General Richard Clark, also paid his respects for 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.”

And commandant of cadets, Brigadier General Paul Moga, gathered the Air Force cadets on Tuesday morning and addressed them about what had happened and where they would go from here.

“It is with a heavy heart and profound sadness I share with you that we have lost one of our own,” Moga said, in part. “He leaves behind friends, grieving teammates, a grieving cadet wing, and a devastated family.”