WASHINGTON - A Navy SEAL commander has died from injuries he received during a training accident in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Naval Special Warfare Command said Wednesday that Cmdr. Brian Bourgeois, 43, was injured Saturday when he fell from a helicopter. A Navy official said the cause of his fall is under investigation and it was not clear if the rope was separated from the aircraft.
Bourgeois, who was the commanding officer of the SEAL Team 8, died Monday at Norfolk Sentara General Hospital in Norfolk.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Bourgeois family and we will make sure 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 of the attributes that make our force effective. We will miss his charismatic leadership and the faithful stewardship of our standard. His legacy is carried on in teammates he served, led, and mentored. Capt. Capt. John Capt said that they are working with SEAL Team 8 to provide every form of support to Brian's family and teammates. Donald G. Wetherbee, Commodore, Naval Special Warfare Group 2
He said that it was a great loss to everyone who knew him. He will be greatly missed. Bourgeois received his commission from the United States Naval Academy in May 2001.