« Previous · Home · Next »

Statement on the Death of Cadet John A. Evans '13

By John

Here's an appropriate and wholly sensible statement from General Peay on the tragic passing of VMI Cadet John Evans, a Rat who died after a 10-mile forced march.

There have been numerous inquiries, e-mails, and phone calls, particularly from parents, concerning Saturday’s death of Cadet John Evans. In this era of “instant communications” there is a flurry of rumors and speculations abounding so I wanted to pass along some information that may assist.

Cadet Evans will be laid to rest in Clarksville, Maryland this Saturday at 10 AM. A large VMI contingent will be present, to include approximately two bus-loads of cadets along with cadet Honor Guard (flag folding and rifle team), bugler, and bagpipes. VMI officials have been in touch with the family on a daily basis.

A memorial service will be conducted for cadets on Thursday at 7:45 p.m. in Jackson Memorial Hall.

As is standard when any type of tragic event such as this takes place, VMI is conducting an internal review of the events and its procedures. When any death occurs and the cause of death is not known, police and the medical examiner (ME) investigate as well. Both of these are ongoing. The autopsy was conducted on Monday (9 November) and it will be at least two weeks (or longer) before the ME’s report is completed. Once these reviews are completed, what can be made public will be disseminated.

The Rat march on Saturday was the fourth in a series of practice marches leading up to the annual Rat march to New Market. It was conducted in the same fashion as the preceding marches over the years and included VMI staff members as well as cadet supervisors. Cadet EMTs, who are fully certified and many of whom also volunteer with the local rescue squad, accompany these formations. The march occurred principally on the Chessie Trail.

When Cadet Evans collapsed in his room, cadet EMTs were summoned and immediately called for the rescue squad. They attempted to resuscitate Cadet Evans until the ambulance arrived shortly thereafter and transported him to Stonewall Jackson Hospital.

Since Saturday, the Commandant of Cadets and Chaplain (Col.) Jim Park have been heavily engaged both with the family and the Corps. Our VMI staff counselors and our cadet counselors have been offering assistance and will continue to do so in the days ahead.

There are numerous inaccurate rumors floating about such as “the Rats are going to immediately be let out of the Ratline” and others. The VMI Community will be kept informed and information will be posted on the Web site as appropriate.

The Commandant’s staff and the Corps leadership are briefing the cadets on what happened and what is presently occurring. Hopefully that will help with some of the ongoing rumors and speculation.

At this point everyone needs to be patient and let the processes described above continue. VMI needs to get back to educating and training our sons and daughters. They are among their Brother Rats and draw strength from those bonds. They have been and will continue to be in good hands. Our prayers are with the Evans family in these difficult times.

General J.H. Binford Peay III

Superintendent