Naval Academy midshipman dies while on holiday leave in Mississippi, school says

A midshipman first class died Monday while on holiday leave in Mississippi, the U.S. Naval Academy said.

Mason Halsey, 22, was a Gulfport resident. The circumstances around his death are under investigation, the school said in a social media post.

“The whole Naval Academy family — the Brigade of Midshipmen, the faculty, staff, and coaches are mourning the tragic and unexpected loss of Midshipman Mason Halsey,” said Rear Adm. Fred Kacher, acting superintendent, said in a statement. “Our most heartfelt sympathies and condolences go out to the entire Halsey family, their friends, as well as Mason’s extended Naval Academy family.”

Halsey was a member of the 5th Company, a political science major and was a member of the coed cheer team since plebe year.

“One thing that always stood out about Mason is that he always wanted to help train our new members,” spirit team coach Kimberly Salyers said in a statement. “He had cheer experience prior to attending the Naval Academy and was very passionate about training and helping others achieve their goals. Even when the cheer season was over he would constantly text me to see if he could hold stunt sessions. He was always available during plebe summer to assist me with the incoming plebes and even received his cheer certification to be able to be a safety observer.”

Halsey attended West Harrison High School where he played soccer and graduated in 2020.

He is survived by his father Thane Halsey, his mother, retired Master chief Carla Halsey, sister Caitlin Howell and her husband Jeffry Howell.

Arrangements are pending at the Riemann Family Funeral Home in Gulfport.

This article may be updated.