A 22-year-old Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) cadet from Rutgers University died Thursday during a training exercise at Fort Knox, according to the U.S. Army Cadet Command.

In a statement, the U.S. Army Cadet Command said Neil Edara of Ridgewood, New Jersey, became unresponsive “while conducting land navigation training” during Cadet Summer Training on July 24. 

“He received immediate medical attention and was medically evacuated by helicopter to the University of Louisville, where he was pronounced deceased by medical professionals,” the U.S. Army Cadet Command said. 

The land navigation course places cadets in unfamiliar terrain with a map, compass, and protractor to locate set points independently. 

Officials said the cause of Edara’s death remains under investigation.

Edara joined Rutgers’ ROTC program in 2021 and was pursuing a biology degree, set to graduate in 2026. He also served as an EMT and had completed flight and scuba training.

Lt. Col. Timothy Sorensen, Rutgers professor of military science, called Edara “one of the most dedicated and promising young leaders I’ve had the privilege to know.”

“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,” he added. 

A private memorial service for Edara was scheduled for July 28.

Spanning 35 days, Cadet Summer Training at Fort Knox is the U.S. Army’s largest annual training event, designed to evaluate and sharpen the leadership and tactical abilities of future Army officers. The program is a critical step for ROTC cadets, who must complete it to earn a commission as second lieutenants. 

Held each summer, the training draws over 7,000 cadets from colleges and universities nationwide.

Meanwhile, the Army Cadet Command emphasized that cadet safety remains a top priority as summer training exercises continue. “Cadets have access to religious affairs or spiritual counseling and support as required,” the command said.