Navy SEAL student dies during swimming exercise on first week of training

The 21-year-old from Florida became unconciouss after a pool exercise

An inquiry has been launched into the 21-year-old's death (US Navy)

An investigation has been launched after a Navy SEAL student died during his first week of basic training.

Authorities have confirmed that 21-year-old James “Derek” Lovelace died after taking part in a swimming exercise and being pulled out of a pool at Coronado, California. He was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The trainee had been taking part in an exercise to tread water while wearing a camouflage uniform and a diving mask, Naval Special Warfare Centre spokesman Lt Trevor Davids told the Associated Press. The precise cause of death is not known and officials are investigating.

Navy SEAL Charles Keating was killed in Iraq (US Navy)

Mr Lovelace was in his first week of training as a SEAL trainee after joining the Navy about six months ago, Mr Davids said. The exercise was designed to assess students’ competency, confidence and safety in the water, according to the Navy.

Mr Lovelace was born in Germany, and he dreamed of becoming a SEAL, according to a death announcement from Whitehurst Powell Funeral Home and Southern Heritage Crematory in his home town of Crestview, Florida.

It said he enjoyed any activity on the water and played baseball at Crestview High School and Faulkner State Community College in Bay Minette, Alabama, according to the death announcement.

Mr Lovelace joined the Navy and graduated basic training on January 28 2016, in Great Lakes, Illinois. His awards and decorations included the National Defense Ribbon and Sharpshooter Pistol Qualification.

“I don’t know what to say. He was wonderful,” his grandmother, Jan Pugh, told The Virginian-Pilot newspaper.

“It was a dream he was chasing out there. He was determined to become a SEAL. We are all just in shock.”

Capt Jay Hennessey, commanding officer of the Naval Special Warfare Centre, said in a statement: "Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of SN Lovelace. Though Derek was very new to our community, he selflessly answered his nation’s call to defend freedom and protect this country. He will be sorely missed. We share in his family’s grief from this great loss."

The death comes only days after another Coronado-based SEAL, Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Charles Keating IV, was shot and killed during a gunbattle involving Islamic State fighters in Iraq.

Naval Special Warfare will hold a private memorial service for Mr Keating on Thursday for his family, friends and fellow SEAL team member, followed by a private funeral on Friday.

A special procession in Coronado will also be held Friday that will be open to the public. Mr Keating will be buried at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery.