The U.S. Army Cadet Command (ROTC) reported the death of one of its cadets in the course of training in a post on Facebook July 26, 2025.
An investigation is ongoing into the death of Cadet Neil Edara of Ridgewood, N.J., who was attending Cadet Summer Training in Kentucky.
“Cadet Edara was one of the most dedicated and promising young leaders I’ve had the privilege to know,” Lt. Col. Timothy Sorensen, professor of military science, Rutgers University, said. “His calm collected demeanor and unwavering commitment to excellence left a lasting impact on everyone around him. His loss is deeply felt across the entire ROTC and Rutgers community. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”
He passed away during training on the Land Navigation site on July 24, 2025, on Fort Knox, Ky, the FB post said.
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Edara joined ROTC at Rutgers University in September 2021. He was attending Cadet Summer Training as part of 9th Regiment, Advanced Camp.
Edara became unresponsive while conducting Land Navigation Training. “He received immediate medical attention and was medically evacuated by helicopter to the University of Louisville, where he was pronounced deceased by medical professionals,” the Army Cadet Command said in the FB post.
At this time, the cause of death is under investigation.
The agency said the safety of cadets and cadre remains U.S. Army Cadet Command’s top priority as training continues, and that the Cadets have access to religious affairs or spiritual counseling and support as required.
A web search indicates, Neil Edara was the son of Varalakshmi L. Edara, a licensed Social Worker, and Srinivasa Edara, a software engineer. Other relatives include Nina Edara, and Praveena Edara. A call to the number listed for Varalakshmi Edara received no response.
Several posts by parents of ROTC cadets, on theridgewoodblog.net, speak of their experience and condole the Edara family for its loss.
One Anonymous post says, “My son was good friends with him throughout RW schools. Always a sweet respectful boy with a great family. Our sincerest condolences to his family and friends. Heartbreaking!”
Neil Edara’s Facebook site @neil.edara, contains no new posts since July 27, 2021. It lists 132 friends. It includes an intro saying, “RHS class of 2021 RU class of 2025 Rutgers Ravens: Air Force ROTC Detachment: 485”.