Late Midshipman Identified, Naval Academy Says He Was 'Intensely Bright' Leader

ANNAPOLIS, MD — The U.S. Naval Academy on Wednesday released the name of the midshipman who died while he was on leave.

Administrators identified the late midshipman as Taylor Connors of Pleasant View, Utah. The 24-year-old was a first-class midshipman, or a senior. The Naval Academy will remember him as a leader and a volunteer.

Connors died Tuesday morning in Philadelphia with his family at his bedside, the Naval Academy said.

The cause of death is still under investigation. Officials don't think foul play was involved.

“Our Naval Academy community is mourning a tragic loss this week of a life taken far too soon,” Naval Academy Superintendent Vice Adm. Sean Buck said in a press release. "Midshipman Taylor Connors honorably served his nation as a Marine and as a midshipman."

Before his journey to Annapolis, Connors attended the Utah Military Academy. He rose to the rank of group commander, leading more than 250 cadets. In his free time, Connors played varsity soccer and wrestled. He was also a member of the National Honor Society and the Boy Scouts of America.

Connors enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 2016 and earned the rank of corporal. The Secretary of the Navy then nominated Connors for an appointment to the Naval Academy. He reported to Annapolis in June 2019, joining the class of 2023.

Connors was a member of the 23rd, 2nd and 16th Companies. He majored in physics and competed on the jiu-jitsu team. Connors also played intramural sports and joined the Semper Fi Society.

In 2021, Connors was a Plebe Summer squad leader. This position molds newly reported midshipman candidates from civilians to basically trained midshipmen ready to enter the Brigade.

Last fall semester, Connors served as the first sergeant of the 2nd Company. He worked with the company commander and the executive officer. That team led day-to-day company operations.

One of Connors' mentors, Marine Corps Maj. David R. Emison II, will remember him as a leader who "was intensely bright, thoughtful, and a man of faith."

“Although I am heartbroken for his family and those of us who were fortunate to have known him, it doesn’t make me any less grateful that men like him are still called to serve,” said Emison, the Naval Academy’s training officer. “Men like him make this way of life meaningful - I am honored that I had the pleasure to know him and learn from him.”

Connors was a Marine rifleman and an honor graduate of the Corporal’s course. He was assigned to FAST Company Bravo, Marine Corps Security Forces in Yorktown, Virginia.

The Marine deployed to Bahrain and Spain. He volunteered with a school in Bahrain and an animal refuge in Spain. His chain of command described him as “intelligent, a critical thinker, very thoughtful, physically tough and honest --- a Blue Chip Marine.”

Connors was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. He was authorized to wear the:

• National Defense Service Medal
• Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
• Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
• Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (2)
• Expert Rifle Qualification Badge (2)
• Expert Pistol Qualification Badge (2)

Grief counseling and support services are available through the Midshipmen Development Center, Chaplain’s Center and chain of command. These offerings are open to all midshipmen, faculty and staff.

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

“I encourage members of the Brigade, faculty, and staff to reach out and offer support to one another from near and far this summer," the superintendent said. "My wife, Joanne, and I, and the entire Naval Academy community have Taylor’s family, friends, and fellow Marines and midshipmen in our thoughts during this difficult time.”

Related: Midshipman Dies While On Leave From Naval Academy: College