SA Gregory M. Lafond
I am deeply saddened to report the untimely and tragic death of our
shipmate, Seaman Apprentice Gregory M. LaFond, which occured aboard
Coast Guard Barque EAGLE last evening. He fell overboard from near the
top of EAGLE's mainmast, sustaining severe head injuries in the fall.
His shipmates recovered him at once from the water and administered CPR.
He was transferred by small boat and airlifted by Coast Guard helicopter.
During the medevac flight, he was pronounced dead by the Coast Guard
flight surgeon aboard the aircraft.
SA Lafond was the son of CWO (USCG ret) Robert and Kathleen LaFond of
Raymond, New Hampshire. Greg was the oldest of four children. The
LaFond's were visited and informed early this morning by the nearest official
members of the Coast Guard family, from ISC Boston and First District
Headquarters. Members of the Academy staff and I will be in touch with the family also.
EAGLE was anchored in calm and sheltered waters, near St. Johns, U.S.
Virgin Islands, approximately a half hour helo flight east of San Juan, Puerto
Rico. EAGLE arrived in San Juan this morning for a scheduled port call,
but will modify her inport plans. The summer training schedule remains
unchanged. The operational commander of EAGLE, VADM Roger Rufe, is
convening an investigation into the cause of the accident.
EAGLE crew and cadets will be deeply affected by this extremely
unfortunate loss. It is vital for all of us to rally around in every way possible to
support our people aboard EAGLE as they continue on with their training
mission. RADM Teeson
06/14/98 Submitted by: Karen Rishar (rishar@interactive.net)
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