NEW HAVEN — Vermont State Police Trooper and Monkton resident Kyle Young’s death on an unseasonably hot and humid Sept. 17 was accidental and the result of “exertional heat stroke” while he was participating in tryouts for the VSP’s Tactical Services Unit in Jericho last Thursday, according to a preliminary report issued Monday, Sept. 21, by Vermont’s Chief Medical Examiner.
Young’s death has hit the New Haven barracks hard. Vermont State Police Lt. Michael Manley is commander of the New Haven barracks where the 28-year-old Young had been stationed, and he is also leader of the Tactical Services Unit that Young had aspired to join. The Independent has reached out to Manley for comment.
The examiner’s report specifically cites “strenuous physical activity in high environmental temperature” as a significant factor in Young’s death, according to a press release issued by the VSP early Monday afternoon.
Young was a well-liked, promising trooper who had begun his career with the VSP on Jan. 13, 2014.
State police officials said the investigation continues into Young’s death. Ultimately, the medical examiner will issue a final report.
Vermont Public Safety Commissioner Keith Flynn issued the following statement in the wake of the preliminary report: “In consultation with the Governor, I have ordered a complete administrative review of the application processes and testing requirements for all Vermont State Police Special Purpose Teams while we await the final report and a complete understanding of what happened. Our thoughts continue to be with Trooper Young and his family.”
Young is originally from the Watertown, N.Y., area.
Many members of Vermont’s law enforcement community are expected to attend funeral services for Young, scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 23, at 1 p.m. at the Immaculate Conception Church in Brownville, N.Y., which is outside Watertown. Calling hours are slated for Tuesday, Sept. 22, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Cummings Funeral Home in Watertown.
The family has requested that their privacy be respected during this difficult time.
State police said no further details about Young’s death are available at this time.
Reporter John Flowers is at [email protected].