The U.S. Naval Academy is mourning the loss of Midshipman Second Class Kyle Philbert James, a 20-year-old student from Whippany, New Jersey, who was found dead near the Naval Academy grounds in Annapolis, Maryland.
Officials confirmed the tragic discovery on Sunday, adding that an investigation is underway to determine the cause of death. James had been reported missing earlier last week.
According to the Naval Academy, James was a junior history major, a member of the 36th Company, and an active participant in the U.S. Naval Academy Gospel Choir.
In a statement, the Academy expressed deep sorrow over his passing, calling him “a valued member of our community whose presence will be deeply missed.”
“It is painful to lose a member of our Naval Academy family,” the statement read. “As we attempt to better understand this tremendous loss, we offer our deepest condolences to Philbert James’ family, close friends, classmates, and company mates during this extremely difficult time.”
The Academy said that the Midshipman Development Center, Chaplain’s Center, and the Chain of Command will be available to provide counseling and emotional support for midshipmen, faculty, and staff affected by the loss.
James’ death comes during a period of heightened tension at the Naval Academy, following a recent campus lockdown connected to an unrelated security threat. While no connection between the two incidents has been established, the back-to-back events have left the midshipmen community shaken.
Newly appointed superintendent Lt. Gen. Michael Borgschulte, who became the Academy’s first Marine Corps officer to hold the position earlier this year, released a brief statement calling for compassion and unity. “We are a family bound by service and purpose,” he said. “When one of us falls, it affects us all.”
