Funeral Held For Navy Midshipman Killed In On-Campus Crash Last Week
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ) -- A Naval Academy midshipman killed in an on-campus crash last week is laid to rest in Annapolis.
Monique Griego has more on the funeral for Max Allen.
Allen was a squad leader at the academy and mentored many midshipmen. His death has had an effect on this tight-knit community.
A life dedicated to service--lost too soon. Friday, the United States Naval Academy said goodbye to one of its own--Senior Midshipman Max Allen.
"With Midshipman Allen's death comes a lot of sorrow and a lot of heartbreak," said Comm. John Schofield, USNA public affairs.
The 25-year-old died February 16 in a single car accident on-campus. Academy leaders say his SUV crashed through a barrier and into the icy waters of College Creek.
The accident went unnoticed until a passerby spotted the missing concrete column. Allen's body was later found in the water.
"An event like this is rare," Schofield said. "We can't remember the last time that a midshipman lost his or her life on-campus."
Family, friends and fellow midshipmen gathered Friday at the academy's chapel to lay him to rest.
"Being a part of the brigade of midshipmen, being a part of that family... that's something that we take very seriously," Schofield said.
Allen, a Virginia native, was set to graduate in May and would have served as a naval flight officer. Those who knew him described him as a strong leader and loyal friend.
As a squad leader, Allen mentored many of his peers, helping them through countless struggles.
Now, as he makes the journey to his final resting place, they are helping each other and his family get through this tough time.
"We're certainly mindful of the heartbreak that they're going through. We want to communicate to them our support," Schofield said. "We feel that today's ceremony will be part of the healing process."
Before attending the Naval Academy, Allen spent two years at Virginia Tech.
The investigation into the accident is continuing.
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