Died In Separate Incidents Not Related To COVID-19

The U.S. Air Force says two first class cadets have been found dead within three days of each other at the U.S. Air Force Academy. Air Force Officials say the incidents are not related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Air Force Magazine reports that the first death was uncovered March 26th and the second on March 28th. Investigations are underway, but there has been no indication of foul play.

“These tragedies have caused incredible shock and pain throughout our USAFA family,” said Lt. Gen. Jay Silveria, Air Force Academy Superintendent, in a March 30 statement. “Right now, we are all focused on taking care of the cadets’ families and each other—our cadets, our faculty, our staff—as we grieve this loss. We ask for everyone’s patience and respect for the families’ privacy at this time.”

There are only about 1,000 cadets currently on the academy campus, and the Air Force is following CDC guidelines for social distancing. The other 3,000 cadets were sent home to continue their studies using distance learning.

The Air Force Academy spring break was not scheduled for several weeks, according to the report. Officials decided to allow seniors to remain on campus, which was considered a more safe and secure location. Exposure to the virus could have affected their ability to graduate on time in May. Silveria said in a letter obtained by Air Force Magazine that graduation is still expected to take place in May.

Meanwhile, the Air Force Academy said in a news release that a Cadet First-Class at the U.S. Air Force Academy has tested positive for COVID-19. The individual is in isolation here in accordance with the Academy’s COVID plan.

The cadet was staying in a single-occupancy room in the cadet dorms and taking classes online as part of the Academy’s social distancing directive. The cadet does not have any known underlying health conditions and is not considered high-risk for serious complications.

Academy officials will continue to monitor the individual’s health. Academy personnel and cadets who may have come in close contact with the cadet have been identified and are being monitored, according to the Academy's COVID plan and established USAFA self-quarantine procedures.

The Academy is following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Department of Defense guidelines for testing and medical response as it relates to COVID-19.

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FMI: Source report
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