The body of Luke Gabriel Bird, 21, was found by Chilean authorities early Sunday morning in a lagoon off Salto El Agua Falls, the U.S. Naval Academy wrote in a statement Monday. Bird, a Midshipman 2nd Class from Texas, was in the South American country as part of a study abroad program with the Naval Academy of Chile. U.S. officials said he reportedly slipped and died Saturday morning while hiking with a student at the Chilean Naval Academy. “We are incredibly saddened by the tragic loss of Midshipman Luke Bird this weekend,” said Vice Admiral Sean Buck, 63rd Superintendent of the US Naval Academy. Bird was a member of the Marine Corps JROTC unit in high school, showing his early commitment to service. United States Naval Academy Facebook “My wife, Joanne, and I and the entire Naval Academy community offer our sincerest condolences to Luke’s family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time. I encourage our entire Naval Academy family to offer support to one another as we navigate the grieving process.” Bird was remembered as a three-year member of his high school’s wrestling team in New Braunfels and as team captain his junior and senior years. He was also active in his student government, vice president of the National Honor Society and battalion commander of his high school’s Marine Corps JROTC unit, the academy wrote. Broker Luke Gabriel Bird, right, with friends. All of Bird’s stories made by friends peg him as an exemplary Midshipman. United States Naval Academy Facebook He was one of five Marine JROTC cadets nationwide to receive the Legion of Valor Bronze Cross in November 2018 which recognizes “outstanding achievement in both scholastic and military affairs and outstanding leadership demonstrated both in school and in the community,” according to with the academy. At the Naval Academy, Byrd was an ocean technician and an active member of the Semper Fi Society who enjoyed playing intramural sports. A friend and classmate described him as “an incredibly intelligent realtor.” Midshipman Luke Gabriel Byrd, right, in his Naval Academy uniform with classmates at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. United States Naval Academy Facebook “We took a lot of classes together, allowing me to get to know him beyond just being a company partner,” senior Travis Delgado said. “He mentored me and taught me in our shared classes, spending much of his free time helping me. “He was a great example of the hard working broker helping anyone at the drop of a hat. He was a great man and will be sorely missed by all who were at 20 Company and throughout the brigade.” Bird’s legacy will be carried on by his family and fellow Midshipmen from the United States Naval Academy. United States Naval Academy Facebook Bird, who is survived by several family members, including his parents and stepparents, earned the Marksman Rifle qualification badge and the Sharpshooter Pistol qualification badge, officials said. The Naval Academy also said he was authorized to wear the National Defense Service Medal. Funeral arrangements are pending.
