Navy SEAL killed in free-fall parachute training accident in Arizona

A US Navy SEAL has died following a free-fall parachute coaching train accident in Arizona, in line with reviews.

Chief Particular Warfare Operator Michael Ernst was taken to Banner College Medical Heart in Phoenix Sunday, the place he was pronounced useless following the tragic coaching mishap at an airfield in Marana, in line with a press release from the Naval Particular Warfare Command to Fox Information.

The reason for the accident continues to be beneath investigation, and the Navy mentioned it will be “inappropriate” to additional touch upon the tragedy till a report is accomplished.

“Our ideas and prayers are with the Ernst household,” Rear Adm. Keith Davids, the chief of Naval Particular Warfare Command, mentioned.

Ernst was hooked up to a Naval Particular Warfare East Coast-based unit throughout the time of the accident.

Naval Particular Warfare neighborhood operators recurrently prepare in free-falling strategies and often carry out these maneuvers at excessive altitudes, with a low opening referred to as “HALO.” 

Ernst joined the Navy in August 2009 and would be part of the SEAL neighborhood three years later.

Throughout his navy tenure, Enrst was awarded a Silver Star — the third highest award for valor a navy member can obtain for gallantry throughout fight, a Protection Meritorious Service Medal, and three Fight Motion Ribbons — having been in fight conditions in three totally different theaters of struggle.

“Mike was an distinctive teammate. He was a devoted NSW Sailor who utilized his abilities and expertise in direction of a few of our nation’s hardest challenges, whereas selflessly mentoring his teammates,” Adm. Keith Davids mentioned.

Ernst leaves behind his spouse and two youngsters, ages 5 and a couple of.

The dying of Ernst marks the 4th training-related dying for the Navy within the final 14 months, in line with Navy.com.

Electronics Technician 1st Class Ryan DeKorte died in Could of 2022 from accidents sustained throughout a helicopter touchdown incident close to Norfolk, Virginia.

In February 2022, Seaman Kyle Mullen died after finishing Navy Fundamental Underwater Demolition/SEAL coaching, or BUD/S, which sparked a collection of investigations into recruits making an attempt SEAL coaching not being given the medical care wanted and/or being discouraged from asking for care if wanted.

The commanding officer of SEAL Group 8, Cmdr. Brian Bourgeois, died throughout a fast-rope coaching evolution in Virginia Seashore on December 2021.