West Point cadet found dead on campus, ending four-day search

(Reuters) - A cadet at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point was found dead on the school's campus four days after he failed to appear at a scheduled military skills competition, the academy said on Wednesday.

The body of 20-year-old Cadet Kade Kurita from Gardena, California was discovered at West Point on Tuesday night. Authorities are investigating the cause of death but do not suspect foul play, the academy said in a statement.

"We are grieving this loss and our thoughts and prayers go out to Cadet Kurita's family and friends," Lt. Gen. Darryl Williams said.

On Monday, the military academy reported the cadet had been missing since Friday at 5:30 pm and the Coast Guard and New York State police were involved in a search of the campus, some 55 miles north of New York City. Officials believed Kurita was carrying a rifle but no magazines or ammunition.

(Reporting by Gabriella Borter; Editing by Angus MacSwan)