A cadet of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice died in the line of duty on Monday.

Cadet Michelle Strube, 45, died during routine military training at the Robertson Unit Training Center in Abilene, according to a TDCJ statement posted on Facebook Tuesday morning.

Strube joined the agency in August 2024 and has just completed the required six-week preparatory course before he could begin his service as a correctional officer.

“Cadet Strube is dedicated to protecting and serving the state of Texas. There is no higher calling than that,” said Eric Nichols, chairman of the Texas Board of Criminal Justice. “Our prayers are with her family, friends and fellow academy member during this difficult time.”

TDCJ Executive Director Bryan Collier said the department joins her family in mourning the loss of Strube, who had just begun her career as a correctional officer.

“Their commitment will be remembered with deep respect and gratitude,” Collier said.

The cause of Strube’s death was not known as of Wednesday afternoon.

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This article originally appeared on Abilene Reporter-News: Cadet dies on duty during correctional officer training