Nimitz Sailor Dies After Fall From Aircraft Carrier

September 30, 2019 12:05 PM
Logistics Specialist Seaman Juan José Garcia-Herrera. US Navy Photo

This post will be updated with additional information as it becomes available.

A sailor assigned to USS Nimitz (CVN-68) died over the weekend following a fall aboard the aircraft carrier, a Navy spokesperson told USNI News on Monday.

Logistics Specialist Seaman Juan José Garcia-Herrera, 21, died early Saturday morning at the University of California San Diego Regional Trauma Center after the fall at just after 9 p.m. on Friday.

“Early reports indicate the sailor was returning to the ship, lost his balance after crossing the brow and fell from a lowered aircraft elevator. The cause of the accident is under investigation,” the service said in a statement.”

NCIS is currently investigating the circumstances of the fall, reported Navy Times.

Nimitz, homeported in Bremerton, Wash., departed earlier this month for pre-deployment training and is currently in port in San Diego.

Chicago native Garcia-Herrera had enlisted in the service in January 2017 and had been serving aboard the carrier since June 17, 2019, according to a copy of his releasable biography.

Sam LaGrone

Sam LaGrone

Sam LaGrone is the editor of USNI News. He has covered legislation, acquisition and operations for the Sea Services since 2009 and spent time underway with the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and the Canadian Navy.
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