Editor’s note: This report has been updated to include the recruit’s identity.
A recruit assigned to Recruit Training Command at Great Lakes, Illinois, died Wednesday, the U.S. Navy confirmed.
While the Navy did not immediately identify a cause of death for Seaman Recruit Kayshawn Wilkerson, an investigation is underway into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“Out of respect for the family and to preserve the integrity of the investigative process, no further details will be released at this time,” a spokesperson for the Naval Service Training Command told Navy Times in an emailed statement Friday.
The Lake County coroner reportedly told ABC7 that it was a male sailor who died at the scene after a “gunfire incident” at 1:45 p.m.
Other Lake County news outlets reported that the fatal shooting occurred at the Naval Station Great Lakes gun range.
“The Navy is providing full support to the family, friends, and shipmates affected by this tragic loss,” the spokesperson said.
Riley Ceder is a reporter at Military Times, where he covers breaking news, criminal justice, investigations, and cyber. He previously worked as an investigative practicum student at The Washington Post, where he contributed to the Abused by the Badge investigation.
