US Navy sailor dies while serving in Red Sea, Pentagon says 'sailor lost overboard'

Tragedy struck the family of a beloved U.S. Navy sailor last week after a horrifically unfortunate event claimed his life.

According to Local 10, the Pentagon announced the death of Michael Aregbesola, a sailor from South Florida who died while serving in the Red Sea.

The incident that took his life was described by the Pentagon as "a non-combat related incident," and reportedly involved a "man overboard" situation.

The outlet noted:

Aregbesola, 34, of Broward County, died while serving as an aviation machinist with Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 74 aboard the USS Mason, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer.

U.S. Navy Cmdr. Eric Kohut released a statement praising the young sailor for his time in service and his contributions to the mission, while expressing his condolences to the family.

"Aregbesola fully embodied the selfless character and thoughtful warrior spirit of the United States Navy Sailor," Kohut's statement read.

"His outstanding performance prior to and during deployment went well beyond aircraft maintenance," Kohut added. "He truly saw and valued every member of the ship/air team."

Sailor Michael Aregbesola who died in the Red Sea is pictured https://t.co/jSgO8pJN8G pic.twitter.com/XSMCACX9D8

— Daily Mail US (@DailyMail) March 25, 2024

"He will continue on in the heart of every Swamp Fox and our brothers and sisters in the IKE Carrier Strike Group," Kohut said. "Our deepest thoughts and prayers are with his family."

The outlet added:

Aregbesola, of Miramar, had joined the U.S. Navy in July 2020. He was assigned with the “Swamp Foxes” in December 2020 and deployed on the USS Mason, part of the Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group, to the waters off Yemen.

Social media users reacted to the news of his tragic death, with many praising him for his service.

"Words cannot express the gratitude and sorrow we feel as we say goodbye to you. Your dedication, courage, and sacrifice will forever be etched in our hearts. You selflessly fought for our freedom, and we will never forget the price you paid. RIP fallen hero," one X user wrote.

Another X user questioned the details regarding his death, writing, "What does “lost overboard” mean? He fell out of the ship? We're they attacked and he was shot?"

His ship, the U.S.S. Mason, was reportedly supporting "Operation Prosperity Guardian," described as "an initiative to protect commercial traffic in the region after almost two months of attacks on merchant ships in the Red Sea by forces in Yemen."