A Navy sailor missing in Waukegan, IL, Seamus Gray, left a bar in March and never came back. In April, people found his body in a lake near the port.
Introduction
Marine Base A 21-year-old Navy sailor named Seamus Gray was assigned to the Great Lakes base. He left the bar in Waukegan, IL, on March 18, 2023, and went missing. Surveillance video near the lakefront of Lake Michigan showed him for the last time, but no one knew where he was for over a month. Utility workers found his body in the water near Waukegan Port on April 20, 2023. He drowned, but the investigation is still ongoing to find out how he disappeared. This article will explore the Navy sailor missing in Waukegan, IL, and the possible causes of his disappearance, Navy and the community honor him.
What happened on March 18th night?
Gray visited the Ibiza nightclub in downtown Waukegan twice on March 18, according to police and witnesses. He fought with other people outside the bar at least twice, and one of them took his wallet from his pocket but then threw it back at him. Around 1:40 a.m., video showed him walking away from the bar, heading towards Sheridan Road and Washington Street.
How did he end up at the lakefront?
More video footage from nearby businesses showed Gray’s progress from the downtown area to the lakefront in Waukegan, IL, police said. He was at the water’s edge of Lake Michigan, near a marina, around 2 a.m. However, no one knows what he did there or if he met anyone else. Police searched the lakefront area extensively by land, air, and water, using drones, sonar, and divers, but they found no trace of Gray until his body surfaced a month later.
The autopsy’s findings
On April 21, 2023, the Lake County Coroner’s Office conducted an autopsy on Gray’s body. The preliminary results indicated that Gray died from drowning and that there was no evidence of a significant injury that would have contributed to his death. However, the coroner’s office said the incident remains under investigation by the Waukegan Police Department, the U.S. Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), and the coroner’s office.
What are the possible reasons for his disappearance?
Gray’s disappearance is still under investigation by the police, who have not ruled out any of the possible causes, such as foul play, suicide, or accident. They are working with NCIS to identify and interview anyone who might have been involved or have information about what happened to Gray as part of their investigation. They are also reviewing his phone records, social media accounts, and personal belongings to look for any clues or motives. Finally, they are asking anyone who saw or interacted with Gray on the night of March 18 or knows anything about his case to contact them.
What do people say about him?
Gray’s disappearance and death are very sad and strange. His family and friends said he was a nice, smart, and fun young man. He loved serving his country and had a good future ahead of him. The police and the Navy hope to find out what happened to him and get justice for him. They described him as a loving, loyal, and adventurous person who had a passion for the Navy and traveling. Meanwhile, his mother, Kerry Gray, who lives in Jupiter, Florida, flew to Illinois to join the search for her son. Additionally, she expressed her gratitude for the support of her friends, the Navy, and the community. She also said she was determined to get answers and justice for her son.
Furthermore, Gray’s brother, Declan Gray, who also serves in the Navy, posted a tribute to his brother on Facebook. He said he was proud of his brother’s achievements and dreams. However, he said he was heartbroken and angry that his brother had taken him away. He said he hoped his brother was at peace and that he would always love him.
How did the Navy and the community honor him?
Gray’s death made the Navy and the community very sad. His fellow sailors at Naval Station Great Lakes had a memorial service for him on April 28, 2023. They also gave his family a flag, a medal, and a plaque to honor his service and sacrifice. Gray’s family and friends had a funeral Mass for him on May 13, 2023, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Jupiter, Florida. They asked anyone who knew Gray or wanted to say goodbye to come. Also, they said they wanted to celebrate his life and legacy. Moreover, they thanked everyone who helped look for him and find out what happened to him.
Gray’s body was buried with full military honors at Riverside Memorial Park in Tequesta, Florida. His grave had a headstone that said: “Seamus Patrick Gray, Beloved Son, Brother, Sailor, and Friend. February 22, 2002 – March 18, 2023.” His family and friends said they would always remember him and keep him in their hearts.
Conclusion
The unexplained disappearance of a Navy sailor missing in Waukegan, IL, and the death of Seamus Gray have left many questions unanswered and many people saddened and puzzled. For instance, his family and friends described him as a kind, intelligent, and adventurous young man who loved serving his country and had a bright future ahead of him. Similarly, his fellow sailors at Naval Station Great Lakes expressed their condolences and support for his loved ones. Nevertheless, his case remains an active and ongoing investigation that hopes to find closure and justice for him.
FAQs
Who was Seamus Gray?
Seamus Gray was a 21-year-old Navy sailor missing in Waukegan, IL, who disappeared on March 18, 2023, after leaving a bar in Waukegan, IL. Furthermore, his body was found in Lake Michigan on April 20, 2023.
When and where did he go missing?
He left a bar called Ibiza in downtown Waukegan around 1:40 a.m. on March 18, 2023, and went missing after that. Video footage also showed him near the lakefront marina at the water’s edge of Lake Michigan.
What happened to him?
Electrical utility workers found his body in Lake Michigan near the Waukegan Harbor on April 20, 2023. Preliminary results from an autopsy indicated that he drowned, and there was no evidence of significant injury that would have contributed to his death.
Why did he not report back to the Navy?
It is unclear why he failed to report back to the Navy as he was supposed to. His family reported him missing on March 21, 2023.
Did he have any altercations or interactions with anyone before he disappeared?
The manager of Ibiza said that Gray entered the nightclub twice on the night he disappeared, but they escorted him out for being too intoxicated. He also had at least two altercations outside the bar with other people. Security video showed someone grabbing his wallet from his pocket but then throwing it back at him.