U.S. Naval Academy Midshipman Dies During Physical Readiness Test

ANNAPOLIS, MD — A 21-year-old U.S. Naval Academy Midshipman died Saturday while taking the semi-annual physical readiness test. Midshipman 3rd class (sophomore) Duke Carrillo of Texas collapsed during the 1.5-mile run. Emergency responders first on the scene attempted to resuscitate Carrillo who was taken to Anne Arundel Medical Center where he died shortly after noon. The incident is being investigated.

"My wife, Joanne, and I join the Brigade, staff and faculty in mourning the sudden and tragic loss of Midshipman Duke Carrillo,” said Vice Adm. Sean Buck, 63rd Superintendent, U.S. Naval Academy, in a statement. “Our most heartfelt sympathies and condolences go out to the entire Carrillo family, and our extended Naval Academy family, during this extremely difficult time.”

Carrillo and his twin brother Dylan spent one year at the Naval Academy Preparatory School in Rhode Island. They both reported to Annapolis for the Class of 2022’s Induction Day June 28, 2018. Duke Carrillo was a quantitative economics major and had earned a 4.0 last semester. He was a member of the 24th Company, an avid intramural athlete and a member of the Naval Academy’s Flight Training Squadron, VT-NA. He had served as a Naval Academy Summer Seminar squad leader this past summer and had aspirations of being a naval aviator.

“Duke was an active member of 24th company; he was able to have a special and close relationship with each of his classmates and company mates,” said 24th Company Officer Lt. Sara Lewis in the Facebook post. “I am honestly able to say he was friends with everyone and uplifted those around him. Due to his calm and loving personality, he will be especially missed in 24th company.”

He is survived by his parents, Gerald and Jennifer, and his brothers Dylan and Jake, who are both Naval Academy midshipmen. Jake is a plebe, or freshman, in the Class of 2023.