According to authorities, Brian Bourgeois died as a result of injuries acquired during a weekend training exercise.
Military sources said a Navy SEAL commanding officer died Tuesday as a result of injuries received during a weekend training session.
According to a statement published Wednesday by Naval Special Warfare Command, Cmdr. Brian Micheal Bourgeois, 43, was injured Saturday during a "fast-rope training evolution" from a helicopter near Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Bourgeois, the commanding commander of SEAL Team 8, died later in a Norfolk hospital.
In an email to The Washington Post, Lt. Cmdr. Kara Handley, a spokeswoman for Naval Special Warfare Command, said, "Initial indications reveal that the accident happened during a fast-rope training evolution."
Handley's email stated, "There is an ongoing command and safety inquiry into the event, and we will disseminate those results at the right time."
According to Navy sources, the executive officer of SEAL Team 8 has temporarily seized leadership of the unit.
In 2001, Bourgeois got his commission from the United States Naval Academy. A Bronze Star, a Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and an Iraq Campaign Medal were among the honors and decorations held by the special warfare officer.
During the 43rd annual Underwater Demolition Team (UDT)-Sea, Air, and Land (SEAL) East Coast Reunion, Navy SEALs execute capabilities exercise at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story.
In a statement, Rear Adm. H.W. Howard III, head of Naval Special Warfare Command, stated, "Brian was one of our very finest commanders, who possessed all the traits that made our force effective." "His dynamic leadership and devoted care of our standard will be missed. His legacy lives on in the teammates he led, mentored, and served alongside."
Navy authorities are working with SEAL Team 8 and Bourgeois' family, according to Capt. Donald G. Wetherbee of the Naval Special Warfare Group 2.
In a statement, Wetherbee stated, "An incident like this weighs deeply on us all." "Brian was a hard worker, a great leader, and a dedicated parent, husband, and friend. Everyone who knew him has suffered a big loss. He'll be missed a lot."
SEAL Team 8's commanding officer, Brian Bourgeois, is photographed with his wife, Megan.
At Naval Amphibious Base, a member of the Navy's East Coast Special Boat Team prepares his boat for an Atlantic Ocean training trip.
According to the Navy Times, Brian was surrounded by his wife and five children when he died. Following his promotion to commander in September 2017, he joined SEAL Team 8 last year.