'A Real Jokester': Naval Academy Identifies Midshipman Who Died

ANNAPOLIS, MD — The U.S. Naval Academy on Thursday identified the midshipman who died Tuesday night as 22-year-old Michael Myles James of Hiram, Georgia. School officials noted that he was found unresponsive Wednesday morning while he was on leave from the college.

The cause of death is still under investigation, administrators added. They do not think foul play was involved.

The Naval Academy community remembers James as a kind soul with an unmatched personality.

"Early on into our friendship I told Myles my family lived in Puerto Rico and I was not able to visit them often," Midshipman 1st Class (senior) Yenuel Ortiz Rodriguez said in a press release. "Without hesitation Myles welcomed me into his home, and into his family with open arms. He touched my heart and I am forever grateful for meeting him."

James was born in Plainfield, New Jersey, but his uncle Linwood Welch Jr. raised him in the Peach State. The future midshipman graduated from McEachern High School in Powder Springs, Georgia. The multi-sport athlete wrestled and played football in high school.

Afterward, James attended the Naval Academy Prep School before reporting to Annapolis in the Class of 2022. He was a member of the Ninth Company (later the 19th Company), an English major and a football player during his plebe year.

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"Myles was a great young man and was beloved by his brothers/teammates," Navy football coach Ken Niumatalolo stated. "He was fun to be around and was a real jokester."

Counseling services are available for the entire college community. Funeral arrangements are pending, and the academy will release more details as they become available.

"I'm not ashamed to say that I loved every moment I spent with him," commented Pamela Schmitt, Dean of Student Academic Development and James' academic advisor. "I wish I’d had the opportunity to give him a big ol’ hug, because when I heard the news, every bone in my body hurt."

James is survived by:

• His uncle, Linwood Welch Jr.
• His mother, Stacy Welch
• His siblings, J.C. Thomas III and Brianna Thomas

"We are incredibly saddened by the death of Midshipman Myles James," concluded Vice Admiral Sean Buck, the 63rd Superintendent of the Naval Academy. "My wife, Joanne, and I, on behalf of our Naval Academy family here in Annapolis including the many midshipmen, faculty, and staff who had formed close bonds with James, offer our deepest condolences to his family."

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RELATED:

• Midshipman Dies While On Leave From Naval Academy: Administration

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