Three sailors from same aircraft carrier ‘kill themselves’ in same week

Four sailors assigned to the same warship reportedly killed themselves, with three of the crew members dying in the same week.

The first sailor, Robert John Bartulewicz III, died on 16 July. A second crew member, James Harold Shelton, died on 14 September. Mr Shelton was a chief electronics technician.

Two more men, Vincent Michael Forline and Ethan Thomas Lee Stuart, killed themselves on 19 September. Mr Forline was an aviation ordnanceman and Mr Stuart was an airman.

The four men were assigned to the aircraft carrier George HW Bush. All the deaths have been ruled suicides, according to The Navy Times.

Federal agents and local police officers in Virginia, where the carrier is docked, are investigating the spate of suicides.

A previous crew member suicide occurred in November 2017.

The USS George HW Bush is currently docked at a port in Norfolk, Virginia for long term maintenance, which will take 28 months.

None of the deaths took place on board the aircraft carrier.

“The sailors did not serve in the same departments, and there does not appear to be a connection between their deaths,” a spokesperson for Naval Air Force Atlantic’s commander said.

“[The crew] are supporting each other, and are comforting those in need,” the Navy spokesperson said.

Sean Bailey, the ship’s commanding officer, said his heart was broken over the deaths.

“Avengers, family, and friends, it is with a heavy heart that I can confirm the loss of three sailors last week in separate, unrelated incidents from apparent suicide. My heart is broken,” he said in a statement published on the ship’s Facebook page.

“These deaths mark the third, fourth, and fifth crew member suicides in the last two years. Now is the time to come together as a crew and as a family to grieve, to support each other, and to care for those in need.

“We need all hands to engage by bringing forward your suggestions and ideas for how we can work together to prevent another suicide. I want to reiterate that there is never any stigma or repercussion from seeking help.”

Mr Bailey said “chaplains, psychologists [and]counsellors” were on board the ship to assist grieving crew members.

If you are struggling to cope, please call Samaritans free on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org or visit the Samaritans website to find details of the nearest branch.

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