Late Midshipman Identified After Fatal Fall In Chile: Naval Academy

ANNAPOLIS, MD — The U.S. Naval Academy on Monday released the name of the midshipman who died this weekend while hiking in Chile.

The Naval Academy identified the late midshipman as Luke Gabriel Bird of New Braunfels, Texas. The 21-year-old was a second-class midshipman, or a junior.

"We are incredibly saddened by the tragic loss of Midshipman Luke Bird this weekend," said Vice Adm. Sean Buck, the superintendent of the Naval Academy. "My wife, Joanne, and I and the entire Naval Academy community offer our sincerest condolences to Luke’s family, friends, and fellow midshipmen during this difficult time. I encourage all of our Naval Academy family to offer support to one another as we navigate the grieving process."

A press release said Chilean authorities found Bird's body Sunday around 10:30 a.m. in a lagoon of the Salto El Agua waterfall in Placilla. That's located in the Valparaíso region of Chile.

Bird lost his footing and fell off the waterfall around 11 a.m. Saturday, the release said. Officials do not think foul play was involved.

The midshipman was participating in a semester abroad at the Arturo Prat Naval Academy, which is the Chilean Naval Academy. Bird was hiking with a Chilean Naval Academy student at the time of his death, leaders said.

Accomplished Student, Leader

The Texan attended New Braunfels High School. Bird was a three-year member of the school's wrestling team. He was a captain during his junior and senior years.

Bird also enjoyed cycling and leading in student government. He served as a vice president of the National Honor Society and the battalion commander of his Marine Corps JROTC unit.

In November 2018, Bird became one of five Marine Corps JROTC cadets in the nation to earn a Legion of Valor Bronze Cross for Achievement. This recognized Bird's outstanding performance in scholastic and military subjects. The award also honored his leadership in his school and community.

Bird then came to the Naval Academy, where he was a member of the 20th and 2nd Companies. He majored in ocean engineering, participated in the Semper Fi Society and competed in intramural sports.

"It is hard to find the words to summarize who Luke was, so instead, I find it appropriate to talk about his actions," said Midshipman 1st Class Travis Delgado, a friend of Bird’s and a fellow Texan. "Luke was an unfathomably smart midshipman. We attended many courses together, allowing me to get to know him beyond just being company mates. He mentored, and tutored me in our shared courses, spending much of his free time helping me."

Bird was authorized to wear the National Defense Service Medal. He also earned the Marksman Rifle Qualification Badge and the Sharpshooter Pistol Qualification Badge.

"He greatly exemplified the hard working midshipman who helps anyone at the drop of a hat," said Delgado, who is a senior. "He was a great man and will be dearly missed by all those in 20th Company and throughout the brigade."

Grieving Midshipmen Deaths

Officials announced the death Sunday to the Brigade of Midshipmen, faculty and staff. Leaders told the public later that afternoon. The administration withheld the midshipman's identity for 24 hours after telling his family.

Funeral arrangements are still pending. The Naval Academy will give more information as it becomes available.

The Midshipmen Development Center, Chaplain’s Center and chain of command are offering grief counseling and support services to midshipmen, faculty and staff.

This was the second midshipman death in the last two months. Taylor Connors of Pleasant View, Utah died on June 7 while he was on leave from the Naval Academy. Foul play was not suspected in Connors' death either.

Connors was a first-class midshipman, or a senior. The Naval Academy will remember the 24-year-old as a leader and a volunteer.

Related: Naval Academy Identifies Midshipman Who Died While On Leave