How Nigerian-born US Naval officer Oriola Aregbesola died in Red Sea

The United States Navy has disclosed that a 34-year-old Nigerian-born Naval officer, Oriola Michael Aregbesola died through a non-combat-related injury.

Aregbesola, an Aviation Machinist who is assigned to the 5th Fleet died on Wednesday, March 20.

While the cause of his death remains unknown, The Navy Times reported he went missing at sea and his corpse was only found after a search and rescue.

The incident is currently under investigation and the Department of Defense did not share any additional details surrounding the cause of his death.

Aregbesola was serving aboard the destroyer the USS Mason, part of the Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group, which is deployed to the waters off of Yemen.

Aregbesola, originally from Miramar, Florida, first enlisted in the Navy in July 2020, according to his releasable documents provided to Navy Times by Navy Personnel Command. He reported to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 7 in December 2020, reports NavyTimes.

“Petty Officer Aregbesola fully embodied the selfless character and thoughtful warrior spirit of the United States Navy Sailor,” Cmdr. Eric Kohut, the commander of HSM-74, said in a statement.

“His outstanding performance prior to and during deployment went well beyond aircraft maintenance; he truly saw and valued every member of the ship/air team. He will continue on in the heart of every Swamp Fox and our brothers and sisters in the IKE Carrier Strike Group. Our deepest thoughts and prayers are with his family.”