West Point, New York is home to the United States Military Academy. When it comes to training and the overall development of cadets, it does not get any better than this institution.
Tragedy struck West Point on Thursday when a cadet died during a routine training exercise.
Jacob D. Bower of Fairmont, West Virginia was found unresponsive in a wooded area often times used for land navigation exercises. Despite attempts to revive him, Bower was declared dead at 6:05 p.m.
Death under Investigation
While the cause of death is currently under investigation by United States Military Academy officials, no information has been provided. West Point Lt. Col. Sherri Reed is unsure of whether high temperatures in the area were a factor. Temperatures in West Point reached the mid 90?s on Thursday.
Bower arrived at the United States Military Academy in West Point earlier this summer. At the time of his death, he was completing the second part of basic training.
The investigation into Bower?s death at West Point will continue until the proper answers are found.
Why were there no safety precautions used for these young cadets? I can’t believe with all the technology that exists that they had no way to communicate if they got into trouble. Also what ever happened to the buddy system? Jacob was only in his third week of training…and it’s total negligence that these safety precautions were not in affect. ….especially with the high temperatures.