A US Navy SEAL died over the weekend following a free-fall parachute training exercise accident in Arizona.
Chief Special Warfare Operator Michael Ernst was rushed to Banner University Medical Center in Phoenix Sunday, February 19, where he was pronounced dead following the tragic training mishap at an airfield in Marana, according to a statement from the Naval Special Warfare.
His fall was the first parachute mishap to kill a Navy SEAL in the past six years, according to USNI News.
The cause of the accident is still under investigation and the Navy said it would be ‘inappropriate’ to further comment on the tragedy until a report is completed.
‘Our thoughts and prayers are with the Ernst family,’ Rear Adm. Keith Davids, the leader of Naval Special Warfare Command, said.
Ernst was attached to a Naval Special Warfare East Coast-based unit during the time of the accident.
Ernst joined the Navy in August 2009 and attended SEAL training a year later.
During his military tenure, Enrst was awarded a Silver Star — the third highest award for valor a military member can receive for gallantry during combat, a Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and three Combat Action Ribbons — having been in combat situations in three different theaters of war.
‘Mike was an exceptional teammate. He was a dedicated NSW Sailor who applied his talents and skills towards some of our nation’s hardest challenges, while selflessly mentoring his teammates,’ Adm. Keith Davids said.
The Navy SEAL Foundation team is working to support Ernst’s grieving family through their loss. He left behind two children, three and five, his wife and their family dog.
‘As you can imagine, Mike’s wife, two children… and the NSW community are devastated by this loss,’ the foundation wrote in a fundraising post for the family.
