Their Story
Remembering Kade S. Kurita.
Cadet Kade Kurita went missing the evening of October 18, 2019. On October 22, 2019, following an extensive four day search, his body was found on campus. May we remember Kade not how he left us but how he lived – with love in his heart for everyone he came across. Be thou at peace, Kade.
Additionally, JED equips teens and young adults with the skills and knowledge to help themselves and each other. Finally, JED encourages community awareness, understanding and action for young adult mental health.
Kade S. Kurita was born in Honolulu, Hawaii on May 9, 1999. He graduated from North High School in Torrance California in 2017. He participated in the 2016 Summer Leaders Experience and started his military career at USMA Basic Training on July 3, 2017. Kade served proudly as a member of the Hotel Company, 1st Regiment, and was widely respected throughout his Company and the Corps as a whole for his commitment to selfless service.
Kade majored in chemical engineering, excelling in and outside of the classroom at West Point. He maintained a 4.0 academic grade point average during his time at the Academy and was the top ranked Cadet in his Company overall. He conducted research at the Picatinny Arsenal, was a member of the Root Hawg Sandhurst team, and was the Cadet in Charge of the Cadet Film Forum.
Kade had a contagious smile and a loving spirit. He touched the lives of many. He was generous and giving. He was respectful, hard working, and always ready to lend a helping hand. His childhood friends described him as a genius and a great friend. His teammates on the high school swim team remembered that even in the face of losses, he always had a positive and encouraging attitude before every meet.
As a Cadet at West Point, Kade continued to display all the qualities described by others, and more. While his life was short, it was well-lived. Many people were touched by Kade. He will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him.