Army ROTC cadet from New Jersey dies during training in Kentucky
RIDGEWOOD, New Jersey -- Army investigators are looking into what caused an ROTC cadet from New Jersey to die during training at Fort Knox in Kentucky last week.
Neil Edara, 22, of Ridgewood, joined the ROTC while attending Rutgers University in 2021.
At the time of his death, he was attending cadet summer training as part of of 9th Regiment, Advanced Camp.
Fort Knox officials say Edara became unresponsive last Thursday while conducting Land Navigation Training.
He was evacuated by helicopter to a hospital in Louisville where he was pronounced dead.
"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. "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."
Ridgewood firefighters released a statement that said Edara volunteered as an EMT with them and they will remember him as a "calm, kind and professional partner and friend."
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