Air Force football player Hunter Brown, an offensive lineman, has died suddenly at just 21 years old, according to reports.
The school announced that Brown had unexpectedly suffered an unspecified “medical emergency” on Monday.
He reportedly collapsed while leaving his dorm on his way to class and first responders were unable to save his life.
“Our players, staff, and entire Academy have been so blessed and fortunate to have Hunter as a part of our lives,” head football coach Troy Calhoun said in a statement.
“He was a pure joy to coach and have as a teammate.
“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.”
Brown, a sophomore center for the Falcons from Lake Charles, Louisiana, was on his way to class when he suddenly collapsed.
Emergency personnel attempted life-saving measures but were unsuccessful, the school said.
“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 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.”
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
Brig. Gen. Paul D. Moga, Commander of Cadets added: “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 a part of the Falcons for the last two seasons.
He was a management major and had a French minor.
He was assigned to Cadet Squadron 16.
Brown starred at Barbe High School in Louisiana before joining Air Force.
We are heartbroken by the passing of one of our favorite sons. Hunter Brown was a force on and off the field. Please join the Buc Family in prayer for all who loved him. pic.twitter.com/a8pS9FOk3f
— Barbe Buccaneers Football (@BarbeBucsFball) January 10, 2023
We are gonna miss you #40. We will never forget that walk off homerun back in 2018 to send us to the state tournament. A great young man, lost way too soon. pic.twitter.com/qKHnugaEyk
— Barbe Baseball (@BarbeBaseball71) January 10, 2023
Air Force Office of Special Investigations officials and the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office investigating the death.
The Air Force said it was standard protocol for any on-base death.
No cause of death has yet been revealed.
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