Missing for five days, West Point Cadet Kade Kurita found dead at the Academy
West Point Cadet Kade Kurita, 20, of Gardena, California, had been missing from the U.S. Military Academy since Friday, October 18, at approximately 5:30 p.m., when he failed to report for a scheduled military skills competition. Also missing along with the cadet was a M4 rifle. Officials on the base said that they didn’t believe Kurita had any ammo or magazines in his possession for that rifle.
During the last four days, the West Point Military Police, New York State police, Coast Guard, CSX railroad police, local police, and the 23rd Military Police Company from Fort Drum, N.Y., assisted in an extensive search of the area, covering over 6,000 acres of West Point. Officials always felt that Kurita did not pose any threat to the public – but he may have been a danger to himself.
Yesterday, Col. Cecil Marson, garrison commander of West Point informed the media that, “There has been no cell phone or financial activity in over 72 hours. This leads us to believe that he is still in the vicinity of West Point.”
Tragically, the Academy released word earlier today that the cadet was found dead last night at 9:47 p.m. on the West Point grounds.
“We are grieving this loss and our thoughts and prayers go out to Cadet Kurita’s family and friends” said Lt. Gen. Darryl Williams, 60th superintendent, U.S. Military Academy.
Kurita’s cause of death is under investigation, but foul play is not suspected.
“I would like to thank the N.Y. State police and the 23rd MP Company along with partners,” said Williams. “They exhibited exceptional professionalism as demonstrated by their tremendous efforts in searching for Cadet Kurita.”
(Source: West Point – The U.S. Military Academy)
~ Posted by: Richard Webster, Ace News Today / Follow Richard on Facebook and Twitter
