An Army cadet originally from Ridgewood died during training in Fort Knox, Kentucky, the ROTC stated.
Cadet Neil Edara, 22, became unresponsive while conducting Land Navigation Training on July 24, according to the Army ROTC.
In a post on Instagram, the Army ROTC said Edara "received immediate medical attention" and was "medically evacuated by helicopter" to the University of Louisville, where he was pronounced dead.
His cause of death is under investigation.
Land Navigation training, according to the military's website, "develop, assess and train Cadets in basic dismounted land navigation skills. Cadets demonstrate their ability to perform basic land navigation skills during day and night conditions on a verified course in varied terrain. Cadets are also taught advanced land navigation skills and associated tasks, which include mounted land navigation, range estimation, terrain analysis, and call for fire."
Edara is originally from Ridgewood, New Jersey. He joined ROTC at Rutgers University and was at Fort Knox in Kentucky for Cadet Summer Training as part of the 9th Regiment, Advanced Camp, according to the Army. The camp is composed of 10 regiments, totaling more than 6,000 cadets.
“Cadet Edara was one of the most dedicated and promising young leaders I’ve had the privilege to know,” Lt. Col. Timothy Sorensen, professor of military science, Rutgers University, said in a statement shared by the Army. “His calm collected demeanor and unwavering commitment to excellence left a lasting impact on everyone around him. 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.”
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Army cadet Neil Edara from Ridgewood NJ dies during training
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