Navy SEAL dies after weekend training accident in Virginia

By 

Joshua Rhett Miller

December 8, 2021 

 Updated

Nine SEALs died in training mishaps between 2013 and 2016, according to Task & Purpose.Getty Images/iStockphoto

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

Cmdr. Brian Micheal Bourgeois, 43, was hurt Saturday during a “fast-rope training evolution” from a helicopter in Virginia Beach, Virginia, according to a statement released Wednesday by Naval Special Warfare Command.Bourgeois, who was the commanding officer of SEAL Team 8, later died at a hospital in Norfolk.

“Initial indications show that the tragedy occurred during a fast-rope training evolution,” Lt. Cmdr. Kara Handley, spokeswoman for Naval Special Warfare Command, told The Post in an email.

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

The executive officer of SEAL Team 8 has temporarily assumed command of the unit, Navy officials said.

Bourgeois received his commission from the US Naval Academy in 2001. The special warfare officer had several awards and decorations in his service record, including a Bronze Star, a Defense Meritorious Service Medal and an Iraq Campaign Medal.

Fatal training accidents involving SEALs are relatively uncommon.

Getty Images

“Brian was one of our very best leaders, who possessed all the attributes that make our force effective,” Rear Adm. H.W. Howard III, commander of Naval Special Warfare Command, said in a statement. “We will miss his charismatic leadership and faithful stewardship of our standard. His legacy carries on in teammates he served with, led, and mentored.”

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

“An incident like this weighs heavily on us all,” Wetherbee said in a statement. “Brian was as tough as they come, an outstanding leader, and a committed father, husband and friend. This is a great loss to everyone who knew him. He will be greatly missed.” 

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 earning the rank of commander in September 2017.

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