Air Force Academy cadet dies in a single-engine aircraft ‘mishap’ Thursday

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) - According to officials, an Air Force Academy cadet died in what was described as a “single-engine aircraft mishap” in Texas on Thursday.

The cadet was identified publicly Friday night as 20-year-old C2C Nick Duran, class of 2023. He was in Texas while on leave. According to the Air Force Academy, Duran was one of two people that died in the crash.

“The impact of losing Nick has been felt throughout our Academy,” Supt. Lt. Gen. Richard Clark said. “He was our brother — a friend, teammate, and classmate — and will always be a part of USAFA. I am so proud of how our cadets have leaned on each other and honored Nick’s life.”

“The Cadet Wing has suffered the loss of a great friend, teammate and future warfighter with the tragic death of one of our cadets,” said Brig. Gen. Paul Moga, Commandant of Cadets. “We offer our deepest condolences to Nick’s family and friends as we all mourn this loss. Forever to be missed but, never to be forgotten.”

Duran was reportedly majoring in management with a minor in Spanish and participated in other activities including mentoring basic cadets and working to create an aviation club. Duran was also reportedly on the 2020 USAFA baseball team.

In a press release from the Air Force Academy, Duran’s friends described his as “a patriot at heart, an inspiration to live selflessly, and say he always remembered and honored our fallen heroes”.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board.

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