An Army captain originally from Accra, Ghana, has died during a certification dive training exercise in the US state of Pennsylvania.
Capt Stephen O. Adjei, 31, died on Saturday, 26 September, while conducting training at Lake Hydra, according to the US Military Academy at West Point.
The academy said it was supporting Capt Adjei’s family, friends and military unit following his death.
“Our hearts are with the Adjei family during this difficult time,” said Brig Gen Joe Katz, Commandant of Cadets at West Point.
“Capt Adjei’s dedication to our cadets, commitment to his teammates, and service to others left a lasting impact on our community. He will be greatly missed.”
Capt Adjei was a logistics officer who had lived in Worcester, Massachusetts, for many years. He joined the US Military Academy in June 2024 as an instructor in the Department of Military Instruction’s Accession Division.
At West Point, he taught MS100 and served as a branch representative for the Quartermaster, Transportation Corps, Ordnance and Explosive Ordnance Disposal branches.
His military career included a deployment to Camp Casey in South Korea, where he served as a distribution platoon leader. He later commanded a Forward Support Company with the 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, part of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division.
His decorations included the Meritorious Service Medal and the Army Commendation Medal with five oak leaf clusters. He also earned the Pathfinder and Air Assault badges.
West Point said military leadership remained in close contact with Capt Adjei’s family, friends and unit and was providing support.
A memorial ceremony for his family and unit is expected to take place at West Point in October.
The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation.
