A Bellevue man enrolled in West Point's preparatory school for potential cadets has died in a cliff-diving accident in the Catskills.
The U.S. Military Academy says that cadet candidate Benjamin Bochtler died Saturday in the town of Hunter, where he'd gone during his free time. New York state police say the 20 year old Bochtler was hanging onto a rock ledge at a spot known as Fawn's Leap when a piece of rock broke off and sent him tumbling.
Bochtler entered the prep school in July 2019. “Cadet Candidate Bochtler had an incredible smile and infectious positive attitude. He was everyone’s friend. Ben was a prior-enlisted combat veteran who set a tremendous example and used his experience in the Army to help his fellow Cadet Candidates,” said COL Joshua Higgins, Commandant of the United States Preparatory School. “His warm personality and that big smile made a lasting impact on everyone at USMAPS. Our thoughts and prayers are with him, his family, and friends.”
The school enrolls soldiers and civilians aiming to become cadets and eventually Army officers.