‘Heartbreaking’: Cadet at Vermont’s Norwich University dies after collapsing during training drills

NORTHFIELD, Vermont — Family and friends in two New England states are mourning the sudden death of Norwich University cadet Daniel Bermudez.

Bermudez, a Connecticut native, collapsed during training drills at the military school’s Vermont campus on Wednesday, and died a short time later at a local hospital, police said Friday.

No foul play is suspected in Bermudez’s death, Northfield Police Chief Pierre Gomez told Boston 25.

State Police notified Northfield Police of the young cadet’s death on Thursday, after Bermudez died at Central Vermont Medical Center in Berlin, Gomez said. Emergency crews attempted lifesaving measures at the scene and again at the hospital prior to his death.

An autopsy will determine the cause and manner of Bermudez’s death, Gomez said.

The entire school community is “united in grief” following the death of Bermudez, a freshman at the school, Norwich University President John Broadmeadow said in a statement on Friday.

“We are heartbroken to confirm the sudden passing of our student, Cadet Daniel Bermudez, class of 2028, on January 15, 2025,” Broadmeadow said. “The loss has deeply affected our entire campus community, and we are united in our grief. Our thoughts and condolences are with Daniel’s family, friends, and all those who were close to him.”

The university is providing counseling and resources to support students, faculty and staff, he said.

“The bonds that unite us at Norwich are strong, and we will continue to provide care and comfort to one another in the coming days and weeks,” he said.

“We extend our heartfelt sympathies to Daniel’s loved ones and ask the community to keep his family and those closest to him in their thoughts and prayers,” Broadmeadow said. “We are profoundly grateful for the support of our extended Norwich family and ask for space and understanding as we navigate this heartbreaking loss together.”

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW

©2025 Cox Media Group