Air Force football player, 21, dies on way to class after sudden ‘medical emergency’

Cadet Hunter Brown was 21 and the cause of death has not yet been revealed.

The Lake Charles, Louisiana, native, who attended Barbe High School, was assigned to Cadet Squadron 16, was described as "a standout offensive lineman on the Falcon football team" in 2022, according to Lt. Gen. Richard M. Clark, U.S. Air Force Academy Superintendent. Brown majored in management and minored in French at the Academy.

The Falcons finished this season 10-3, including a 30-15 win over Baylor during the Armed Forces Bowl in December.

According to the Academy, on Monday morning Brown experienced a medical emergency when he left his dorm room for class. First responders were unsuccessful at resuscitating Brown.

Clark said in a statement released Tuesday, "Hunter was a standout offensive lineman on the Falcon football team and was well-respected in his squadron. 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."

Troy Calhoun, head football coach, said in a statement on Tuesday, "Our players, staff, and entire Academy have been so blessed and fortunate to have Hunter as a part of our lives. 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,” Calhoun added. “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."

The school posted on Twitter, "We are heartbroken by the passing of one of our favorite sons. Hunter Brown was a force on and off the field. Please join the Buc Family in prayer for all who loved him."

The cadet’s untimely death comes the week following Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest during “Monday Night Football."