Missing Midshipman Found Dead, Investigation Underway

ANNAPOLIS, MD — A 20-year-old midshipman has died, Patch confirmed on Monday morning.

The U.S. Naval Academy said it is investigating the death of Midshipman Second Class (junior) Kyle Philbert James of Whippany, New Jersey. The cause of his death remains unclear.

Philbert James' mother told Connecticut TV station WFSB 3 that she received a call from the academy Thursday afternoon stating that her son had not attended classes that day.

The Capital Gazette said the academy contacted the midshipman's family on Friday to inform them that his remains had been found near the Naval Academy.

Philbert James was a history major who participated in the USNA Gospel Choir. He was a member of the 36th Company.

"It is painful to lose a member of our Naval Academy family," the academy told Patch in a Monday statement. "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 Midshipman Development Center, the Chaplain's Center and the chain of command are available to provide counseling and support services to midshipmen, faculty and staff.