WASHINGTON — A 20-year-old West Point cadet who had been missing for days was found dead late Tuesday night, according to U.S. Military Academy officials.

Cadet Kade Kurita of Gardena, Calif, had been missing with a M4 rifle since Friday evening. The cause of his death is under investigation, but foul play is not suspected, academy officials said.

"We are grieving this loss and our thoughts and prayers go out to Cadet Kurita’s family and friends” said Lt. Gen. Darryl Williams, superintendent of the academy.

Kurita was reported missing when he did not show up Friday for a scheduled military skills competition. His body was found Tuesday at about 9:17 p.m. at West Point. The rifle was also recovered, academy officials said.

Kurita was found after a massive search across West Point’s 16,000 acres involving 130 soldiers from the 23rd Military Police Company from Fort Drum, multiple law enforcement teams, search dogs and military helicopters from the 2nd Aviation Detachment from Stewart Air National Guard Base.

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