Community 'Heartbroken' After 'Top' Cadet Dies at West Point

An investigation is underway after a "top" cadet died at West Point.

On Thursday, West Point Cadet Peter L. Zhu, a member of the Class of 2019, died at Westchester Medical Center due to injuries he suffered a week prior while skiing at Victor Constant Ski Area located on the academy grounds.

"I wish to extend to his family the sincere and profound sympathy of the U. S. Military Academy and all members of this command. We lost a brother today, and the pain will be felt for a long time," Superintendent Lt. Gen. Darryl A. Williams said in a press release.

On Feb. 23, Zhu, 21, of California, was found unresponsive by a fellow skier on the slope. Ski Patrol conducted life-saving measures as he was transported to Keller Army Community Hospital and then airlifted to Westchester.

"The entire West Point community is heartbroken over this tragedy," Brig. Gen. Steve Gilland, commandant of cadets, said. "Peter was one of the top cadets in the Class of 2019, very well-known and a friend to all. He embodied the ideals of the Corps of Cadets and its motto of Duty, Honor, Country and all who knew Peter will miss him."

Zhu was an accomplished cadet who was president of the Cadet Medical Society and served on Regimental Staff the first semester of his senior year, officials say.

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The details of the accident remain under investigation. A memorial ceremony for the West Point community and private funeral service will be held at West Point in the near future.

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Community ‘Heartbroken’ After ‘Top’ Cadet Dies at West Point