An investigation has concluded that a Navy SEAL who died in a
parachute training accident in DeLand last year became unconscious after
exiting the plane.
The investigation also found that Petty Officer 1st Class William Blake Marston was unable to open his main chute, The Virginian-Pilot reported.
It also determined that Marston shouldn't have been on the plane to
begin with because of a discrepancy over whether he was up to date with
a required certification.
Rear Adm. Brian Losey wrote in his
endorsement of the investigation's findings that investigators could not
determine why Marston was unable to open the main chute.
"The most important question is unknowable, despite diligent investigative efforts," he said.
According
to the investigation, Marston was supposed to open his parachute about
five seconds after jumping off the plane, but that didn't happen.
After 15 seconds he became unconscious.
The
investigation also revealed the Marston did not have a current
certification that is required to conduct a military free-fall parachute
jump.
His certification expired in March 2014.
The lapsed certification should have kept him from jumping that day, the investigation determined.
Marston lived in Virginia Beach and was a member of SEAL Team 6.
He died during the accident on Jan. 10, 2015. LINK