(AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo) — According to a U.S. Air Force Academy representative, one of their civilian employees, Mrs. Chong Hirthler, passed away on the Academy grounds on Wednesday, Feb. 28.

When Hirthler was late coming home from work that evening, family members contacted Academy officials. First responders quickly found Hirthler in her parked car.

Senior leaders from the 10th Air Base Wing met with Hirthler’s co-workers at Mitchell Hall Cadet Dining Facility on Wednesday and Thursday, Feb. 29.

“Chong was a dedicated 23-year member of our Mitchell Hall Food Service team,” said Col. Dan Werner, 10th Air Base Wing deputy commander. “She was well known and loved across the 10th Air Base Wing, the Preparatory School, and throughout the Cadet Area. Cadets, faculty, and staff enjoyed her thoughtfulness and mentorship. She will be missed by everyone.”

This is one of two tragic deaths to rock the Academy within two days. On Thursday, Cadet 2nd Class Tristen Burton of Granger, TX, was killed in an off-base motorcycle accident.

Support services, including chaplains, mental health professionals, leaders, and others are being made available for those who need them throughout the week, and the superintendent of the Academy ordered the flags to half-staff on Friday.