Missing West Point Cadet Found Dead

WEST POINT, NY — U.S. Military Academy Cadet Kade Kurita, 20, from Gardena, California, was found dead at 9:47 p.m. Tuesday at West Point. A massive search effort was launched for the 20-year-old after he failed to report Friday for a scheduled military skills competition.

"We are grieving this loss and our thoughts and prayers go out to Cadet Kurita’s family and friends," Lt. Gen. Darryl Williams, superintendent of West Point, said in a statement.

The cause of Kurita's death is under investigation. Foul play is not suspected.

West Point military police, New York State Police, the Coast Guard, CSX railroad police, local police and the 23rd Military Police Company from Fort Drum, New York, assisted in an extensive search over the last four days.

Soldiers and support agencies searched more than 2,000 acres in the West Point cantonment area.

Military helicopters from 2nd Aviation detachment, New York State Police drones and New York State Police helicopters conducted an aerial sweep using cameras. New York State Police dive teams used sonar to help search the Hudson River and lakes and ponds on West Point. CSX railroad police provided three search dogs as crews searched along railroad tracks and property adjacent to West Point.

Kurita had been unaccounted for since 5:30 p.m. Oct. 18.

"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."