Naval Academy midshipman dies while on leave

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A federal judge in Baltimore has ruled that it is premature for her to decide whether to block the U.S. Naval Academy from expelling a midshipman for posting crude messages on social media. U.S. District Judge Ellen Hollander agreed Tuesday to dismiss Chase Standage’s lawsuit and denied his request for a preliminary injunction allowing him to graduate from the academy. (Patrick Semansky/AP)

A U.S. Naval Academy midshipman died Tuesday night while on leave, the school announced.

The academy stated Wednesday that the midshipman’s identity was being withheld pending next-of-kin notification and that the cause of death was being investigated.

“The Naval Academy is supporting the midshipman’s family, friends and loved ones during this time of grief,” the press release states. “Counseling services and support are available to midshipmen, faculty, staff and coaches.”

The death comes as the academy prepares to welcome 1,200 members of the Class of 2025 during their assigned Induction Day at the end of June.

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Geoff is the managing editor of Military Times, but he still loves writing stories. He covered Iraq and Afghanistan extensively and was a reporter at the Chicago Tribune. He welcomes any and all kinds of tips at geoffz@militarytimes.com.