Naval Academy Alum, 29, Dies During Training Accident in Hawaii

A recent graduate of the United States Naval Academy has died following a tragic accident in Hawaii. 

In a statement, Navy officials said that on Sunday, April 17, Lieutenant Aaron Paul Fowler, age 29, of Oklahoma, was assigned to the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit One. The statement said Fowler died while participating in a training evolution with the Marine Corps at Marine Corps Base Hawaii in Kanehoe Bay. He reportedly became unresponsive during the training and was pronounced deceased at the hospital.

"Our deepest sympathies go out to Aaron’s family and friends, and we join them in remembering and mourning this brave warrior,” said Rear Adm. Joseph Diguardo, Jr., commander, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command. “His decision to join this elite special operations community was a testament to the dedicated and selfless character he embodied and his legacy will endure in our ranks through those he inspired by his service.”

Fowler, who entered the service in 2012 and commissioned after graduating from the Naval Academy in May 2018, reported to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit One in January 2022, the Navy said.  

The United States Naval Academy Alumni Association released the following statement:

"The USNA Alumni Association and Foundation is saddened to hear the news of this tragic loss of one of our own Lt. j.g. Aaron Fowler ’18, USN. We will continue to keep all who are involved in our thoughts and prayers. Our alumni community joins Aaron’s family, friends, and loved ones in honoring his selfless service, courage, and dedication in serving our country. "