U.S. Navy sailor Oriola Michael Aregbesola, who died after going overboard while serving in the Red Sea, shared a heartbreaking Instagram post about attempting suicide just one month before his death.
Aregbesola, 34, who was an Aviation Machinist’s Mate 2nd Class died March 20 as a result of a ‘non-combat related incident’ in the Red Sea and an investigation into his death is ongoing, according to the Pentagon.
The U.S. Navy said Aregbesola was ‘the Sailor lost overboard from USS Mason (DDG 87) while operating in the Red Sea, March 20.’
One month prior to his death, the Sailor posted a video to Instagram with the caption ‘I died a week ago.’
Aregbesola said he had a mental breakdown on February 13 that led to him shaving his head. He detailed his experience in the post and implored anyone suffering from a mental health condition to seek help.
U.S. Navy sailor Oriola Michael Aregbesola died after going overboard the USS Mason in the Red Sea on March 20
His wife told NBC6 his death was a ‘complete shock’ and he was a cherished father of their four-year-old son
He shared a heartbreaking Instagram post about attempting suicide just one month before his death
Aregbesola said he had a mental breakdown on February 13 that led to him shaving his head
‘You know the thing about suicide? You just don’t kill yourself, you kill every memory of you,’ he said.
‘It will be all everyone remembers. Every second that you spend on this Earth will be reduced to how you chose to leave it.’
‘Mourning your loss would be hard because it isn’t losing your life, it is quitting it,’ said Aregbesola.
His wife told NBC6: ‘I was in complete shock when two service men broke the news at my door on Friday morning. Till this day, I still cannot believe it.’
‘As a father of a 4-year-old son, Oriola was a source of guidance and support, always there to offer a listening ear and a comforting embrace.’
‘His wisdom and love guided us through life’s challenges, and his laughter brought joy to some of the darkest of days,’ she said.
Aregbesola joined the Navy in July 2020 and reported to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 74, known as ‘Swamp Foxes,’ in December 2020.
His friend, Jacob Rone, posted a tribute on Facebook: ‘Aviation Machinist Mate 2nd Class Oriola Michael Aregbesola was an amazing person.’
‘He was kind hearted, a gentle soul, an amazing Sailor and an even greater friend, he was the person any sailor could go to and talk for hours, he was always working and I’d make sure he had food to eat cause he’d miss the meals everyday.’
Commander Eric Kohut said: ‘Petty Officer Aregbesola fully embodied the selfless character and thoughtful warrior spirit of the United States Navy Sailor.’
He joined the Navy in July 2020 and reported to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 74, known as ‘Swamp Foxes,’ in December 2020
The Pentagon Aregbesola, who was deployed on the USS Mason (pictured), died as a result of a ‘non-combat related incident’ and an investigation into his death is ongoing
‘His outstanding performance prior to and during deployment went well beyond aircraft maintenance; he truly saw and valued every member of the ship/air team.
‘He will continue on in the heart of every Swamp Fox and our brothers and sisters in the IKE Carrier Strike Group. Our deepest thoughts and prayers are with his family,’ said Kohut.
His squadron was deployed to the USS Mason, which has been operating in the U.S. 5th Fleet in the Red Sea since November.
The Pentagon announced in December the U.S. is joining forces in a 10-nation military pact to try and counter terror threats in the Red Sea after a series of drone and missile strikes on commercial vessels.
Member of the pact – which also includes the United Kingdom, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles and Spain – has said the attacks are in response to the Hamas-Israel war.
The Houthi, which rules much of Yemen, said its attacks are a show of support for the Palestinians and has vowed they will continue until Israel stops its offensive on the Gaza Strip – more than 1,000 miles from the Houthi seat of power in Sanaa.
The USS Mason has been in the Red Sea since November to counter terror threats from the Houthis following a series of drone and missile strikes on commercial vessels
US military Central Command said an anti-ship cruise missile ‘launched from a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen’ hit the Strinda and the destroyer USS Mason (pictured in 2021) was providing assistance
Houthi rebels have been launching a series of attacks on vessels in the Red Sea – as well as launching drones and missiles targeting Israel as it wages war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
US Central Command said in February that the destroyer USS Mason downed an anti-ship ballistic missile launched from Houthi-held areas in Yemen towards the Gulf of Aden. The department said it believed the missile was probably targeting MV Torm Thor.
A Norwegian-flagged tanker was hit by a cruise missile launched by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea in their latest attack on ships to protest against Israel’s bombardment of Gaza.
U.S. military Central Command said the anti-tank cruise missile, launched from a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen, hit the Strinda and the destroyer USS Mason was providing assistance.
If you or someone you know may be struggling with suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988