Navy SEAL dies after weekend training accident in Virginia

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A Navy SEAL commander died Tuesday from injuries sustained during a weekend training session, military officials said.

Cmdr. Brian Micheal Bourgeois, 43, was injured Saturday during a “rapid rope training evolution” from a helicopter in Virginia Beach, Va., According to a statement released Wednesday by Naval Special Warfare Command.

Bourgeois, who was the SEAL 8 team commander, later died in a Norfolk hospital.

“The first indications show that the tragedy occurred during a rapid tug of war evolution,” said Lt. Cmdr. Naval Special Warfare Command spokesperson Kara Handley told The Post in an email.

“There is an ongoing Command and Security investigation into the incident, and we will release those findings at an appropriate time,” Handley’s email continued.

The SEAL 8 team general manager has temporarily taken command of the unit, Navy officials said.

Bourgeois received his commission from the United States Naval Academy in 2001. The Special Warfare Officer had several awards and decorations in his service record, including a Bronze Star, Meritorious Defense Service Medal, and a Iraq campaign medal.

Navy SEALs conduct a skills exercise at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story during the 43rd Annual Underwater Demolition Team (UDT) -Sea, Air and Land (SEAL) East Coast of Reunion.
US Navy Photo

“Brian was one of our best leaders, who had all the attributes that make our force effective,” Rear Admiral HW Howard III, Commanding Officer of Naval Special Warfare Command, said in a statement. “His charismatic leadership and steadfast management of our standard will be missed. His legacy continues with his teammates with whom he served, led and mentored. “

Captain Donald G. Wetherbee of Naval Special Warfare Group 2 said Navy officials were working with Team SEAL 8 to provide support to the unit and the Bourgeois family.

“An incident like this takes a heavy toll on all of us,” Wetherbee said in a statement. “Brian was as tough as them, an exceptional leader and a committed father, husband and friend. It is a great loss to all who knew him. He will be sorely missed.

Brian Bourgeois
Brian Bourgeois, pictured with his wife, Megan, was the SEAL 8 team commander.
Brian Michael / Facebook
A member of the Navy's East Coast Team Special Boat Team prepares his boat for a training mission in the Atlantic Ocean at the Amphibious Naval Base.
A member of the Navy’s East Coast Team Special Boat Team prepares his boat for a training mission in the Atlantic Ocean at the Amphibious Naval Base.
Luke Sharrett / Getty Images

Brian’s wife and five children were by his side when he passed away, the Navy Times reported. He joined SEAL Team 8 last year after obtaining the rank of Commander in September 2017.

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