COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Hunter Brown, an offensive lineman for the Air Force Academy’s football team, died after collapsing on Monday, the school announced on Tuesday. He was 21.
In a news release, the Air Force Academy stated that Brown, a Cadet 3rd Class from Lake Charles, Louisiana, “experienced a medical emergency” while leaving his dormitory.
First responders were called and attempted life-saving measures on the sophomore but were unsuccessful, The Athletic reported.
Brown was assigned to Cadet Squadron 16 and was majoring in management with a minor in French, the school said. In May 2021, he graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School.
Brown played in games for the Falcons against Northern Iowa and Nevada during the 2022 season, ESPN reported.
“Our players, staff and entire Academy have been so blessed and fortunate to have Hunter as a part of our lives,” Air Force 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 attended Barbe High School in Lake Charles, KPLC-TV reported.
Brown’s death will be investigated by the Air Force Office of Special Investigations and the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, NBC News reported. The procedure is standard protocol for on-base military deaths, the Academy 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.”