MIRAMAR, Fla. — A Navy sailor from Florida was found dead while he was deployed in the Red Sea, according to the U.S. Department of Defense.
Authorities say 34-year-old Oriola Michael Aregbesola from Miramar was found dead on Wednesday after what was first reported as a non-combat-related incident. The Navy later described that he was lost overboard.
According to the Navy's website, Aregbesola was an Aviation Machinist’s Mate 2nd Class. He joined the military branch in July 2020 and was assigned to the "Swamp Foxes" of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 74.
The Navy says he was deployed with the USS Mason, which has been operating in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations since November 2023.
"Petty Officer Aregbesola fully embodied the selfless character and thoughtful warrior spirit of the United States Navy Sailor," said Cmdr. Eric Kohut, HSM-74 commanding officer, in a statement on the Navy's website. "His outstanding performance prior to and during deployment went well beyond aircraft maintenance; he truly saw and valued every member of the ship/air team. He will continue on in the heart of every Swamp Fox and our brothers and sisters in the IKE Carrier Strike Group. Our deepest thoughts and prayers are with his family."
In a report from the Miami Herald, Aregbesola received the Navy “E” Ribbon and a Navy Unit Commendation award before his death.
The Florida Times-Union spoke with Sailor KB Johnson, who served alongside Aregbesola and spoke about the positive impact he had on his team.
“He had such a pure soul and I believe he had an impact on every person that had the honor to work alongside with him,” Johnson said to the outlet.