How did Cmdr. Robert Ramirez die? Navy SEAL Team 1 commander, 47, found dead at his San Diego home

Ramirez died one month after taking over the decorated position as commanding officer of SEAL Team 1

PUBLISHED DEC 22, 2022

Commander Robert Ramirez III, 47, was a highly-decorated officer who took charge of the Navy SEAL Team 1 (U.S Navy)

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA: A highly decorated Navy special operations commanding officer has been found dead at his home in San Diego on December 19. The commander died just one month after taking over the prestigious Navy SEAL Team 1 based on Naval Base Coronado.

On September 1, 2019, Robert "Bobby" Ramirez III was promoted to the Commander rank and was assigned duty to oversee SEAL Team 1 of the West Coast Special Warfare Unit in June 2022, according to NBC San Diego.

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Friends and colleagues of Ramirez paid their respect to the deceased commander. "Bobby was an outstanding leader, devoted husband, and father, and a good friend to us all," said the commanding officer of Naval Special Warfare Group 1, Capt. David Abernathy, who manages all four SEAL teams based in San Diego.

"This is a devastating loss to our community and all who knew him. We will remain in support of Bobby's family, friends and teammates during this extremely difficult time," he added.

On December 21, Naval Special Warfare Command officials stated that no foul play was suspected relating to the death of Ramirez, reports NBC San Diego. An investigation has been opened by the San Diego Sheriff's Department.

The 47-year-old commander was married to his wife Anne. "I am devastated. Anne Ramirez and Robert Ramirez III have been my friends since high school and have represented our country through multiple deployments and sacrifices to serve the mission of the USA," said Jennifer James, a friend of the couple who said: "We lost an amazing human on Monday and Anne and Bobby's story must be told," according to the Daily Mail.

Calling Ramirez a "great hero", a Navy medic, Obi Ugochukwu said "This is just a devastating loss. The pain of this loss cuts really deep. Many of us were at Bobby’s Change of Command Ceremony and it was such a joyous occasion. I can’t understand this and I am just praying for Anne, the children and the rest of the family" and concluded saying "We lost a GREAT HERO and this will hurt for a very long time."

In 1996 Ramirez joined the military and in 2008 he was commissioned. Including his service in Iraq and Afghanistan, Ramirez has three Combat Action Ribbons and has earned five Bronze Star Medals with two Combat 'V' device for his heroic acts and valor.