A Navy Seal team commander has passed away in a tragic accident involving a helicopter.
43-year-old Cmdr. Brian Michael Bourgeois was the commander of Seal Team 8 at the Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek in Virginia and a dedicated father of five who suffered a fall during a training event on Saturday.
According to the reports, the dedicated Navy Seal suffered severe injuries as he fell from a helicopter during fast-rope training. Three days later, he was pronounced dead at Norfolk Sentara General Hospital after succumbing to his injuries.
“An incident like this weighs heavily on us all. 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,” Capt. Donald Wetherbee expressed in a statement after Bourgeois’ passing.
Rear Admiral Hugh W. Howard added: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Bourgeois family — and we will ensure our community remains in support of and in relationship with Brian’s family and his five children, for life.
“Brian was one of our very best leaders, who possessed all the attributes to make our force effective. We will miss his charismatic leadership and faithful stewardship of our standard. His legacy carries on in teammates he served with, led and mentored.”
Following the 43-year-old’s unexpected tragedy, a GoFundMe page was started in the Bourgeois family’s name by family friend Kristin Carden.
“Brian Bourgeois was a husband, father, soldier, and friend. He lived a life of upstanding character, exceptional leadership, and touched the lives of all those with whom he came in contact,” Carden wrote on the page.
“The impact he has made on this world and the legacy he leaves behind are immense and immeasurable. We are thankful for the memories made with him, the laughs we’ve shared, the lessons we have learned, and the better people we are for having known him.
“Brian leaves behind his wife and five children whom we are hoping to raise funds to support during this time and beyond.”
Our thoughts are with Brian’s family, friends, and colleagues during these challenging times.
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