Cmdr. Brian Bourgeois, the commander of the US Navy's SEAL Team 8, died on Tuesday from injuries sustained in a training accident over the weekend in Virginia Beach, the Navy said in a statement.
Bourgeois, 43, died on Tuesday at Norfolk Sentara General Hospital in Norfolk, Virginia.
The incident is still under investigation, but according to initial indications, it occurred during a fast-rope training exercise Saturday, according to the Navy.
The findings of the investigation into the accident will be made available "at the appropriate time," the Navy said.
Bourgeois received his commission from the US Naval Academy in May 2001, and was awarded the Bronze Star, among other decorations and awards over his 20-year long military career.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the Bourgeois family -- and we will ensure our community remains in support of and in relationship with Brian's family and his children, for life," Rear Adm. H.W. Howard III, the commander of the Naval Special Warfare Command, said in a statement.
"Brian was one of our very best leaders, who possessed all the attributes that make our force effective. We will miss his charismatic leadership and faithful stewardship of our standard. His legacy carries on in teammates he served with, led, and mentored."
He is survived by his wife and their five children.
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