Navy SEAL Team 8 member who died after Virginia training accident identified: ‘A great loss'


Cmdr. Brian Bourgeois, commanding officer of SEAL Team 8 (U.S. Navy Photo)

A Navy SEAL commander who died from injuries suffered during a training accident in Virginia on Saturday has been identified.

Naval Special Warfare Command said Wednesday that Cmdr. Brian Bourgeois, 43, fell while fast-roping down from a helicopter in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Bourgeois, who was the commanding officer of SEAL Team 8, died Monday at Norfolk Sentara General Hospital in Norfolk.

The circumstances of his fall are still under investigation. A Navy official said it was not clear if the rope separated from the aircraft. The findings will be made public at a later time, the Navy said.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the Bourgeois family - and we will ensure our community remains in support of and in relationship with Brian's family and his children for life," said Rear Adm. H.W. Howard III, commander, Naval Special Warfare Command. "Brian was one of our very best leaders who possessed all the attributes that make our force effective. We will miss his charismatic leadership and faithful stewardship of our standard. His legacy carries on in teammates he served with, led and mentored."

The SEAL Team 8 executive officer has temporarily assumed command.

"We are working with SEAL Team 8 to provide every form of support we possibly can to Brian's family and teammates," said Capt. Donald G. Wetherbee, commodore, Naval Special Warfare Group 2.

"This is a great loss to everyone who knew him. He will be greatly missed," Wetherbee added.

Originally from Lake Charles, Louisiana, Bourgeois moved to Katy, Texas, to finish high school. He received his commission from the United States Naval Academy in May 2001 and served the Navy and Naval Special Warfare community for more than two decades.

The class of 2001 recently celebrated its 20th reunion in Annapolis. A classmate who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he is still on active duty told Fox News Bourgeois was "always one of the funniest guys to be around, especially with that contagious smile.He was a brother to all of us and will be missed."

Bourgeois leaves behind his wife, Megan, and five children — Barret, Allie, Piper, Callen and Jonathan. The non-profit Navy Football Brotherhood is organizing fundraising efforts to help support Bourgeois' family.

The U.S. Naval Academy said Bourgeois' memory will be honored at this Saturday's Army-Navy football game with several tributes, including one from the Navy Leap Frogs.

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