SENATOR DENEEN ON FORT KNOX DEATH
Saddened by Cadet Neil Edara's death
FRANKFORT, Ky. (July 29, 2025) — The following is a statement from Sen. Matt Deneen, R-Elizabethtown, regarding the July 28 death of Cadet Neil Edara, a 22-year-old Army ROTC cadet from New Jersey, who collapsed during a land navigation exercise at Fort Knox and later died despite medical evacuation. The cause of death is under investigation.
“I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Cadet Neil Edara during a training exercise at Fort Knox. His dedication to service and leadership reflects the very best of our nation’s young people.
“My heart goes out to his family, friends, and the entire ROTC and Rutgers communities during this time of profound grief.
“May we honor his memory by recognizing the courage and commitment of those who choose to serve.”
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Edara became unresponsive while participating in a land navigation drill at Fort Knox, a core component of the Army’s ROTC summer training, which draws thousands of cadets from colleges nationwide. He was a resident of Ridgewood, New Jersey, and a student at Rutgers University.
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Sen. Matt Deneen, R-Elizabethtown, represents the 10th Senate District, including Hardin County and part of Jefferson County. Deneen serves as chair of the Senate Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection Committee and co-chairs the Education Assessment and Accountability Review Committee. He is also a member of the Senate Committees on Agriculture, Families and Children, and Judiciary. Additionally, Deneen serves on the 2024-26 Budget Preparation and Submission Committee.
For a high-resolution .jpeg of Deneen, please visit: https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators Full Res Images/senate110.jpg