Annapolis, Md. — - A midshipman from Texas died after falling over a waterfall in Chile, the U.S. Naval Academy introduced Monday.
Midshipman 2nd Class Luke Gabriel Chook of New Braunfels, Texas, was taking part in a semester overseas program at Chile's Arturo Prat Naval Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy mentioned in a information launch. The 21-year-old junior was mountaineering with a scholar from the varsity Saturday close to the Salto El Agua waterfall in Placilla, within the Valparaíso area, when he reportedly misplaced his footing and fell over the waterfall, the academy mentioned.
Chilean authorities discovered Chook's physique within the waterfall's lagoon Sunday.
"We're extremely saddened by the tragic lack of Midshipman Luke Chook this weekend," Vice Adm. Sean Buck, the U.S. Naval Academy's superintendent, mentioned in an announcement. "I encourage all of our Naval Academy household to supply help to 1 one other as we navigate the grieving course of."
Chook attended New Braunfels Excessive Faculty, the place he was captain of the wrestling crew in his junior and senior years and was energetic in scholar authorities, the academy mentioned. On the Naval Academy, Chook was a member of the twentieth and 2nd Firms and an ocean engineering main. He was a member of the Semper Fi Society and competed with companymates as an intramural sports activities athlete. Chook was approved to put on the Nationwide Protection Service Medal and had earned the Marksman Rifle Qualification Badge and Sharpshooter Pistol Qualification Badge, the academy mentioned.
Midshipman 1st Class Travis Delgado, a pal and fellow Texan, referred to as Chook "unfathomably good" saying Chook mentored and tutored him of their shared programs.
"He drastically exemplified the arduous working midshipman who helps anybody on the drop of a hat," Delgado, a senior, mentioned in an announcement. "He was an important man and might be dearly missed by all these in twentieth Firm and all through the brigade."