Air Force Academy cadet found dead Thursday morning, investigation underway

The Air Force is investigating the death of an Air Force Academy cadet who was found dead on campus Thursday, an academy spokeswoman told Task & Purpose.

The cadet was found at around 11 a.m., said Lt. Col. Tracy Bunko, director of public affairs for the academy, in a statement. The death was not COVID-19 related, and foul play is not suspected, she said.

The name of the cadet is being withheld until the cadet’s next of kin has been notified.

“Our priority is notifying and supporting the cadet’s next of kin and ensuring cadets, faculty and staff are directed to the appropriate helping agencies as needed,” Bunko said. “Academy leaders, the chaplain’s office and mental health professionals are providing support and grief counseling to cadets, faculty and staff.”