Following a medical emergency, the Air Force Academy and its football team lost one of their own on Monday.
3rd Class Cadet Hunter Brown, an offensive lineman for the Falcons, collapsed on his way to class from his dorm, according to Fox News.
First responders attempted to resuscitate the 21-year-old sophomore but were unsuccessful.
The exact cause of Brown’s death is still unknown.
The Lake Charles, Louisiana native stood 6-foot-1 and weighed 285 pounds.
“Hunter was a standout offensive lineman on the Falcon football team and was well-respected in his squadron,” Lt. Gen. Richard M. Clark, Air Force Academy superintendent, said in a statement. “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.”
Academy mourns tragic loss in cadet wing https://t.co/32tSxcVMt7
— Air Force Football (@AF_Football) January 10, 2023
On Tuesday, Cadet Commander Brig. Gen. Paul D. Moga addressed Brown’s fellow Cadets, urging them to gather before classes.
“I share with you with a heavy heart and profound sadness that we have lost one of our own,” Moga said, according to the news release. “He is survived by friends, bereaved teammates, a bereaved cadet wing, and a devastated family.”
With heavy hearts we share the loss of a cadet.
C3C Hunter Brown died Monday after suffering a medical emergency while on his way to class.
Our thoughts are with his family, friends, teammates and fellow cadets.#NeverForgotten pic.twitter.com/amPlznZqTC— U.S. Air Force Academy (@af_academy) January 10, 2023
In his own statement, Falcons head coach Troy Calhoun praised Brown.
“Our players, staff, and entire Academy have been so blessed and fortunate to have Hunter in our lives. “He was an absolute pleasure to coach and have as a teammate,” Calhoun said.
“He was tough, a great worker, and no one unselfishly pulled harder for others than Hunter,” he said.
Candyce and Dustin Brown, the young man’s parents, were praised by the coach for their outstanding efforts in raising their son, saying he “made each of us a better person.”
We will never forget his radiant smile, we love and miss you Hunter 💙 pic.twitter.com/RdVraUUpf8
— Air Force Football (@AF_Football) January 11, 2023
The sophomore center was studying management with a minor in French.
According to the academy’s news release, the Air Force Office of Special Investigations and the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office are investigating Brown’s death.
His collapse is the latest in a string of young athlete deaths and medical emergencies.
The collapse of Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin during a “Monday Night Football” game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Jan. 2 drew the most attention.
Thankfully, the 24-year-old safety received immediate assistance from trainers for cardiac arrest, and after days of prayers and support from across the country, Hamlin was able to leave the University of Cincinnati Medical Center on Monday.
