The Virginia Tech community is saddened by the death of  U.S. Navy Ensign Sarah Mitchell, a 2017 graduate of the Corps of Cadets, who was killed Sunday during a training exercise in the Red Sea, according to Navy officials. She was 23.

Mitchell, of Feasterville, Pennsylvania, earned a degree in biochemistry and minors in chemistry and leadership studies. In fall 2016, she commanded the corps’ Alpha Company.

“The Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets and its alumni and friends, mourn the loss of Ensign Sarah Mitchell, Class of 2017,” said Maj. Gen. Randal Fullhart, the commandant of cadets. “Her tragic passing in the line of duty reminds us all of the amazing young men and women who choose to wear the cloth of our nation’s military. As a cadet, Ensign Mitchell epitomized the university’s motto, Ut Prosim, That I May Serve, in so many ways. From her first year as a new cadet, she showed the traits of leadership by showing concern for her fellow cadets and ultimately rose to command one of our companies during her senior year. I know that I speak on behalf of the entire community in offering our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to Sarah, her family, and friends. We are all better for having known her.”

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