Today’s News

Four Officer Cadets lose life in tragic accident

Four Officer Cadets at the Royal Military College of Canada tragically lost their lives early Friday morning.

The four officer cadets lost their lives when the single-vehicle car they were in entered the waters on campus at Point Frederick on Friday, April 29, 2022, at approximately 2 a.m. EST.

The members who lost their lives are:

  • Officer Cadet Jack Hogarth
  • Officer Cadet Andrei Honciu
  • Officer Cadet Broden Murphy
  • Officer Cadet Andrés Salek

“I am devastated by today’s loss of four of our nation’s young leaders. My heart breaks for their families, friends, and all those touched by this deep loss, during this most difficult time. The entire Canadian Armed Forces family grieves with their loved ones and will support them in any way that they need during the challenging and emotional days ahead,” said General Wayne Eyre, chief of the defence staff, in a press release. 

Cadets Studying

Two of the cadets, OCdt Jack Hogarth and OCdt Andrés Salek, were completing a Bachelor of Arts in Military and Strategic Studies and going to be Armoured Officers in the Canadian Army.

OCdt Andrei Honciu was completing a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and going to be a Logistics Officer in the Canadian Army. And OCdt Broden Murphy was completing a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and was going to be an Aerospace Control Officer in the Royal Canadian Air Force.

Commander_Josée_KurtzPhoto: DND Canada

RMC Commandant

“The entire RMC Community is devastated by the tragic loss of four officer cadets earlier today. The Principal of RMC and I extend our deepest condolences to their loved ones, and we stand to support all our Naval and Officer Cadets, their families and friends, and our personnel as we go through this difficult time together,” said Commodore Josée Kurtz, Commandant RMC in a press release. 

RMC stated their “first priority is to ensure our students, staff, faculty, and families are cared for and supported. This loss is felt across the RMC community and we extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of our fallen cadets during this difficult time,” in a press release.  

Aerial view of RMC in 1985, including Point Fredrick, where the accident took place.

Investigation Ongoing

An investigation into this incident by the Canadian Forces National Investigation Service is ongoing. No further information about the incident will be provided until the investigation is complete, noted the press release.

The Minister of Defence Anita Anand stated, “I am heartbroken that four officer cadets lost their lives far too soon at RMC Kingston this morning. I offer my deepest condolences to their families, classmates and loved ones as they grieve such a profound loss, which is felt across our Canadian Armed Forces and country.” 

The press release noted that anyone struggling with the tragic incident is encouraged to reach out for support or available services at RMC and CFB Kingston.

The College of Canada is comprised of approximately 2,300 military and civilian staff, faculty, and students.

Last updated April 30, 12:52 p.m.

Show More

Leave a Reply

Canadian Military Family Magazine
Close