U.S. Navy authorities said Thursday they are investigating the death of a recruit at Naval Station Great Lakes in Lake County.
A Navy spokesman in an email confirmed that a recruit died Wednesday, amid unconfirmed reports of a shooting at the base.
“An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident is underway. Out of respect for the family and to preserve the integrity of the investigative process, no further details will be released at this time,” Lt. Beau Nickerson, a Navy public affairs specialist, said in an email.
Nickerson said that, per Navy policy, the recruit’s name will not be released until 24 hours after the family has been notified.
“The Navy is providing full support to the family, friends, and shipmates affected by this tragic loss,” Nickerson wrote.
The Lake County Coroner’s Office said the victim is an adult male on active duty with the Navy. The incident happened at around 1:45 p.m. Wednesday, and the coroner’s office was called out at about 4:15 p.m.
An autopsy was scheduled to be performed on the victim, Deputy Coroner Stephen Newton said.
