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How did Richard Marcinko die? 'True legend' founder of bin Laden-hunters SEAL Team Six was 81

At the time of his death, Richard Marcinko was serving as the CEO of Red Cell, a private security consulting firm based in Washington, DC

One of the founders and the very first commanding officer of SEAL Team Six, Richard Marcinko, died on Sunday, December 26, 2021. He was 81. The unfortunate news of his demise was shared by his son on his Twitter account. While sharing a few beautiful memories with his father, Matt Marcinko tweeted “man has died a true legend”. The sad news was also shared by Navy SEAL Museum's Facebook page. The cause of his death is still unknown.
 
At the time of his death, Richard Marcinko was serving as the CEO of Red Cell, a private security consulting firm based in Washington, DC. Richard was also best known for his autobiography Rogue Warrior that proved to be The New York Times best-selling book. Speaking of recent deaths, we lost actress Lisa Banes in a hit-and-run accident involving an e-scooter. The 'Deliverance' star Ned Beatty too left us for the heavenly abode. Other celebrities that we lost in the last few months include Chick Vennera, DMX, Jay Black, Jeanette Maus, and a few others.
 
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Who was Richard Marcinko?

Richard Marcinko was born in November 1940 in Lansford, Pennsylvania. He was enlisted in the US Marines but got rejected since he did not have a high school diploma. He was later enlisted in the US Navy in 1958, ultimately going his way up to the rank of commander. He acted as the first commanding officer of SEAL Team Six - the US military's counter-terrorism unit that would ultimately hunt down and kill Osama Bin Laden.
 
Richard Marcinko also served jail for 21 months in relation to the conspiracy with an Arizona arms dealer to receive $100K for securing a government handgun contract. He had later denied charges claiming it was a witch-hunt by the Navy's highest-ranking officers who he embarrassed by exposing vulnerabilities within their units, as reported by the Daily Mail.
 
Speaking on his death, Richard Marcinko’s son tweeted, “Last night, Christmas evening, we lost a hero, who’s also known as The Rogue Warrior, the retired Navy SEAL commander AND the creator of SEAL Team Six, my father, Richard Marcinko. His legacy will live forever. The man has died a true legend. Rest In Peace Dad. I love you forever.” The official Facebook page of the Navy SEAL Museum too shared their obituary stating, “The Museum is very saddened to learn of the passing of Richard "Dick" Marcinko. "Demo Dick" was a retired U.S. Navy SEAL commander and Vietnam War veteran. He was the first commanding officer of SEAL Team SIX.” They added, “Dick Marcinko played a very unique part in SEAL history, leaving a legacy like no other. “Demo Dick” is considered the United States’ premier counterterrorism operator. We send our deepest sympathies to his family, teammates, and friends.”

‘God now has one of his top warriors back with him’

Social media users flocked to Twitter to bid their final goodbyes to Richard Marcinko. “A sad day in this country, Richard Marcinko passed on, may the soles of our feet be as strong as this man’s was! #toughness I read many a book of his”, said one user as another chimed in, “I've had the pleasure of being on the board of a military charity with this legend, and getting to know him over the last few years. We have lost a great one, but God now has one of his top warriors back with Him.” One added, “A sad day. He made the USN look like morons in terms of their security, and they made him pay.”
 
The next one shared, “My friends and I in the mid 90s use to run “black ops” throughout #boise when we were all in junior high.  He inspired us all to join the military.  Sad.  Rest In Peace sir.  Idk how many trips we all took as kids to the army surplus store just to be like #richardmarcinko” Meanwhile, one user posted, “An American hero passed away last night.  Richard Marcinko, the founder of Seal Team Six is a legend. Thoughts and prayers for his family and his teammates.” One individual tweeted, “My prayers go out to one of the greatest warriors in American history Richard Marcinko rest in peace a true American hero.” Another concluded, “Pour a glass today for the first commanding officer of SEAL Team 6 Richard Marcinko. I grew up reading his books. It's a shame to see another legend lost to the tests of time.  To fair winds and following seas sir.”