Memorial Service Held in Utah for Naval Academy Midshipman Who Died While on Leave

Midshipman Taylor George Connors, 24, was recently honored during a memorial service in his hometown, just weeks after the U.S. Naval Academy said the former Marine and Utah native died while away from the campus. 

Dozens of friends, family and colleagues attended the 90-minutes long memorial service that was held in Ogden, Utah on June 25.  According to an announcement made by the Naval Academy, Midshipman Connors passed away on the morning of June 7 in Philadelphia with family at his bedside.  “Our Naval Academy community is mourning a tragic loss," officials said.  "The circumstances surrounding his death are currently under investigation; foul play is not suspected."

"He was taken from us far too soon,"  Connors' family wrote inside an online obituary. "Those who knew Taylor, know what a heart rendering loss this is."

James Garrow, a spokesperson for the Philadelphia Medical Examiner's Office, confirmed that the cause and manner of death related to Midshipman Connors is still pending. 

Marine Corps Captain Ben Griffith (pictured below) was among the speakers who gave remarks during the service.  Connors served alongside Captain Griffith in the Marines after enlisting in 2016.

"Taylor had many titles, but he was most proud of being a Christian. He made sure everyone knew that, through his actions," Captain Griffith said. "Taylor was the perfect example of what it meant to be a leader, and was wise beyond his years."

Connors eventually left the Marine Corps to join the Naval Academy with the class of 2023 in June of 2019. 

Midshipman Connor's family expressed their appreciation to a group of healthcare professionals in Philadelphia for the care provided to him prior to his passing. "We would like to extend our gratitude to the Nurses and Doctors at Temple University Burn Center for the care you provided to our son in his last moments," the family wrote in the obituary.  The family also thanked the US Navy, the Naval Academy and their affiliates for the kindness and compassion they have shown in their time of grief.