3 Sailors from Same Aircraft Carrier Found Dead in Less Than a Week, Navy Says
Smith Collection/Gado/Getty The aircraft carrier USS George Washington
The U.S. Navy is investigating the deaths of three sailors from the USS George Washington who were found dead within days of each other.
One sailor, who has yet to be publicly identified, was found unresponsive on Friday while aboard the aircraft carrier, a Naval Air Force Atlantic spokesperson confirms to PEOPLE.
"It is with a heavy heart we can confirm that a USS George Washington (CVN-73) Sailor was found unresponsive on board the ship on April 15. The Sailor was treated by the medical team on board before being transported to Riverside Regional Medical Center in Newport News where the Service member passed away," the spokesperson said in a statement.
"The incident is under investigation and the command continues to cooperate with NCIS," the spokesperson added.
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Two others sailors were found dead at off-base locations on April 9 and 10, per CNN.
The sailor found dead on April 9 has been identified by the Navy as Retail Services Specialist 3rd Class Mikail Sharp, CNN reported. The sailor found on the following day was identified as Interior Communications Electrician 3rd Class Natasha Huffman.
A cause of death has not been provided for any of the three service members.
"The Navy is cooperating with local authorities where both incidents have occurred, as both incidents remain under investigation," a Navy spokesperson said in a statement obtained by PEOPLE. "Our thoughts and condolences are with the family, friends, and shipmates of our Sailors."
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A Navy spokeswoman told CNN in a statement that the "tragic events" do not appear to be linked.
"While these incidents remain under investigation, there is no initial indication to suggest there is a correlation between these tragic events," Cmdr. Reann Mommsen said.
The Naval Criminal Investigative Service and local authorities are investigating, per the outlet.
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The USS George Washington, which is nuclear-powered, has been undergoing a lengthy refueling and overhaul process in Newport News, Virginia since August 2017, per CNN.
According to the Navy Times, the process was supposed to be completed last year but was impacted by labor shortages exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
