Posted on 10/28/2025 7:16:03 AM PDT by xxqqzz
A 20-year-old midshipman at the Naval Academy was found dead, authorities announced Sunday, Oct. 12.
Kyle Philbert James' death remains under investigation, the Naval Academy said about the Whippany (Morris County, NJ) resident.
A GoFundMe by Kim D'Achilles for James' family had raised $3,260 as of Tuesday, Oct. 14.
At Whippany Park HS (Class of 2023), James ran track and cross country and was a member of the marching band, D'Achilles wrote, "always lifting up those around him.
"He showed up every day with a smile and gave his best in everything he did. His dedication and determination led to his acceptance into the U.S. Naval Academy. Kyle shared a deep bond with his mother, who was his biggest supporter and constant source of pride. His energy, kindness, and genuine heart left a lasting mark on everyone who knew him."
In the Naval Academy, James was a member of the 36th Company, a History major and participated with the USNA Gospel Choir, the academy said.
"It is painful to lose a member of our Naval Academy family, and 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 statement reads.
According to WFSB in Connecticut, James' family received a call from the Naval Academy on Thursday, Oct. 9 that he did not show up for classes. His mom, a Bloomfield resident, had last heard from Kyle Thursday morning.
(Excerpt) Read more at msn.com ...
Stressful, soul crushing? I don’t know...it’s changed so much from decades ago that it seems like a warm, inviting, friendly place with picnics welcoming back the once-feared upperclass Brigade in September, Super Bowl viewing parties, happy first-day-of-classes photos on FB, and stories about how everyone gets along, that I can’t reconcile it with the gray institution I almost dropped out of but was too stubborn to give in to. It was stressful, but it kind of molded me, and Didn’t crush my soul though, as I would unhesitatingly repeat my years in the real Navy that followed.
Stressful, soul crushing? I don’t know...it’s changed so much from decades ago that it seems like a warm, inviting, friendly place with picnics welcoming back the once-feared upperclass Brigade in September, Super Bowl viewing parties, happy first-day-of-classes photos on FB, and stories about how everyone gets along, that I can’t reconcile it with the gray institution I almost dropped out of but was too stubborn to give in to. It was stressful, but it kind of molded me, and Didn’t crush my soul though, as I would unhesitatingly repeat my years in the real Navy that followed.
NCIS
Possibly an undiagnosed heart problem, was he out training?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.