Midshipman found dead at P.G. County shooting range

A midshipman was found dead at a shooting range in Prince George’s County, Naval Academy officials confirmed Wednesday. Midshipman First Class Juan Jimenez was found dead at Prince George’s County Trap and Skeet Center Monday around 1 p.m., spokesman Cmdr. David McKinney said in an email. The incident is under investigation by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, McKinney said. In a note to faculty and staff sent Tuesday morning, academy superintendent Vice Admiral Ted Carter said the student died from “an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.” The 22-year-old general engineering major was from Latham, N.Y. He played varsity lacrosse and intramural sports at the academy and was a member of the 8th Company, McKinney said. Jimenez went to the Naval Academy Preparatory School in Rhode Island for a year before coming to the academy, McKinney said. In his note Tuesday, Carter said it is “extremely difficult to lose a member of the Brigade and USNA family” and encouraged staff to remain respectful and supportive of the midshipman and his family. Carter also encouraged staff to remain alert to people who may struggle with the news, asking them to tell appropriate personnel if they think someone needs extra care or comfort. “We are not immune to these unfortunate events, and I know we have many people who work extremely hard to try and prevent them,” Carter said in an email. “We are fortunate to have had the opportunity to get to know MIDN Jimenez, and should remain thankful for his friendship and camaraderie over the past few years.” McKinney said grief counseling and support services for midshipmen, faculty and staff are being provided by the Midshipman Development Center, Chaplain’s Center and Chain of Command.