A US Navy SEAL and father of two died after a free-fall parachute training accident in Arizona.
Chief Special Warfare Operator Michael Ernst was rushed to a Phoenix hospital after he plummeted at a Marana training field on Sunday. His fall was the first parachute mishap to kill a Navy SEAL in the past six years, according to USNI News.
Ernst enlisted in the Navy in 2009 and was assigned to an East Coast unit. The accomplished military man from Massachusetts quickly accelerated his career and was rewarded the Silver Star, which is the third-highest military combat award.
‘Mike was an exceptional teammate,’ Rear Adm. Keith Davids told the news outlet. ‘He was a dedicated NSW Sailor who applied his talents and skills towards some of our nation’s hardest challenges, while selflessly mentoring his teammates. Mike and his family will always be part of the NSW family, and he will never be forgotten.’

Chief Special Warfare Operator Michael Ernst was rushed to a Phoenix hospital after a free-fall parachute training accident in Arizona. Ernst enlisted in the Navy in 2009 and was assigned to an East Coast unit

The accomplished military man from Massachusetts quickly accelerated his career and was rewarded the Silver Star, which is the third-highest military combat award. He left behind two children, three and five, his young wife and their family dog.
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Ernst served for 14 years, earning numerous medals. In addition to his silver star, his decorations included three Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, the Joint Commendation Medal (with Combat Device), and three Sea Service Deployment Ribbons.
He was also awarded the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, a Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the NATO Medal.
The Navy SEAL Foundation team is working to support Ernst’s grieving family through their loss. He left behind two children, three and five, his wife and their family dog.
‘As you can imagine, Mike’s wife, two children… and the NSW community are devastated by this loss,’ the foundation wrote in a fundraising post for the family.
It’s unclear how much money has been raised, but the foundation is seeking the public’s help to support Ernst’s heartbroken family.
The cause of Ernst’s death or extent of injuries weren’t immediately available.

Navy SEALS are seen above in 2020 conducting a demonstration for the Navy’s 245th birthday. The photo was snapped at Naval Air Station North Island