Navy SEAL Dies in Parachute Training Accident

The U.S. military has identified a member of the Navy's SEAL Team 6 who died during parachute training in southern Arizona.

Navy officials say 31-year-old Special Warfare Operator Chief Brett D. Shadle of Elizabethville, Pa., died when he and another SEAL collided in midair Thursday. Shadle was taken to University of Arizona Medical Center in Tucson, where he was pronounced dead.

Officials say Shadle was highly decorated and had served in Afghanistan and Iraq. He had multiple bronze stars with valor and several service ribbons.

U.S. Special Operations Command spokesman Kenneth McGraw said the SEALs were practicing "routine military free-fall training" when the accident occurred.

The other SEAL — an unidentified E-6 petty officer first class — remained in stable condition Saturday at the Tucson hospital.

Military officials said the accident was under investigation.