Navy SEAL killed in free-fall parachute accident in Arizona
Michael Ernst was ‘exceptional teammate,’ Naval Special Warfare Command says
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
A decorated U.S. Navy SEAL has died in Arizona after suffering a mishap during a free-fall parachute training exercise.
Chief Special Warfare Operator Michael Ernst was pronounced dead at a hospital in Phoenix Sunday afternoon following the incident at an airfield in Marana, the Naval Special Warfare Command said in a statement to Fox News Digital.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the Ernst family," Rear Adm. Keith Davids, the leader of Naval Special Warfare Command, said. "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.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
"Mike and his family will always be part of the NSW family, and he will never be forgotten," Davids added.
ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY, US MARINES RAISE AMERICAN FLAG OVER IWO JIMA
Chief Special Warfare Operator Michael Ernst died following a "military free fall training accident" on Sunday, Feb. 19, the Navy says. (U.S. Naval Special Warfare Command)
The cause of the incident was not immediately clear and remains under investigation.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
WORLD WAR II LOVE LETTERS HIDDEN BEHIND WALL IN NEW YORK HOME DELIVERED TO FAMILY 80 YEARS LATER
Members of the U.S. Navy Parachute Team, the Leap Frogs, conduct a demonstration jump into Naval Air Station North Island in support of the 245th Navy Birthday on Oct. 13, 2020. (U.S. Navy photo by Jim Woods/Released)
"It would be inappropriate to comment further on the ongoing investigation until complete," the Naval Special Warfare Command said.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
Chief Special Warfare Operator Michael Ernst, who died on Sunday, joined the U.S. Navy in 2009. (Paul Richards/AFP via Getty Images)
Ernst, of Massachusetts, enlisted in the Navy in 2009 and joined his first naval special warfare unit three years later. He was serving in an East Coast-based naval special warfare unit at the time of the parachute training mishap.
Throughout his military career, Ernst earned the Silver Star, the Joint Commendation Medal (with Combat Device), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, among other awards.