NEW LONDON, N.C. — A cadet enrolled at the Tar Heel Challenge Youth Academy died overnight, according to a release from the North Carolina National Guard.
- Tar Heel Challenge Youth Academy cadet found dead overnight on Wednesday, February 5
- Cadet is a minor and their name is not being released at this time
- Stanly County Sheriff's Office is investigating the death
The cadet's identity is not being released due to age, but the academy staff and N.C. National Guard are fully cooperating with the investigation.
"We are deeply saddened by the news of the death of a Tarheel Challenge Cadet," Maj. Gen. Todd Hunt, adjutant general of the North Carolina National Guard said in a statement Wednesday night. "We extend our deepest sympathy to the family, friends, and fellow Cadets as we hold them firmly in our hearts and prayers during this difficult time."
The National Guard sponsors the Tarheel Challenge Youth program, which has two academies in North Carolina — Salemburg and New London. N.C. teenagers ages 16 to 18 are eligible to enroll in the academy.
Officials say the New London academy opened in 2016, and it's last class started on October 12, 2019. There are 119 cadets enrolled in that class.
The Stanly County Sheriff's Office is conducting the death investigation. No further information has been provided at this time.
