Cmdr. Brian Bourgeois, the commanding officer of SEAL Team 8, passed away on Tuesday due to injuries he sustained during a training accident the previous week. Bourgeois, 43, was involved in a fast-rope training exercise on Saturday in Virginia Beach, Virginia, where he was injured and later transported to Norfolk Sentara General Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Naval Special Warfare Command has provided limited information regarding the incident, but Capt. Donald Wetherbee, commodore for Naval Special Warfare Group 2, expressed the deep impact of the loss, noting that Bourgeois was a tough, outstanding leader, and a devoted father, husband, and friend. The command is offering support to Bourgeois’s family and unit members during this difficult time.
SEAL Team 8’s executive officer has temporarily taken command of the unit, although the officer’s identity has not been disclosed for operational security reasons. The incident is under investigation, and details will be released when appropriate.
Bourgeois’s family, including his wife and five children, were with him when he passed, according to Rear Adm. H.W. Howard, commanding officer of Naval Special Warfare Command. Howard emphasized Bourgeois’s exceptional leadership and dedication, stating that his legacy will live on through those he led and mentored.
Bourgeois was a U.S. Naval Academy graduate, commissioned in May 2001, and had served in the naval special warfare community for over two decades. His commendations include the Bronze Star with Combat “V” device and the combat action ribbon. He was promoted to commander in 2017 and took command of SEAL Team 8 in November 2020.