US Naval Academy Issues Statement Following Discovery of Deceased Midshipman After Family Notified of Disappearance

Published: October 11, 2025-11:03pm. 

Kyle Philbert James, a 20-year-old United States Naval Academy Midshipman from Whippany, NJ, was found deceased on Friday, October 10, 2025, one day after being reported missing by officials at the academy. 

Related: NJ Congresswoman: I was proud to nominate Kyle to the Naval Academy.

Midshipman James' family confirmed to Report Annapolis News that his remains were discovered near the campus. Authorities have not released further details, and the investigation remains ongoing. The circumstances surrounding his disappearance and the discovery of his remains are limited. 

An autopsy will be performed to determine the cause and manner of death. 

Timeline:

On Thursday, October 9, 2025, at around 5 p.m., Midshipman James’ family was notified by Naval Academy leadership that Midshipman James had missed all of his classes that day and was being considered missing due to the unusual circumstances of his absence. His mother last spoke with him earlier that morning, according to a news report published on the YouTube channel for WFSB 3. 

During the evening of Friday, October 10, 2025, the Naval Academy contacted the family of Midshipman Second Class Kyle James to inform them that his remains had been found near the Naval Academy. Academy officials subsequently shared the news with the campus leadership: 

"It is with great sadness that we inform you that yesterday we lost Midshipman 2/C Kyle Philbert James. He was a member of 36th company," the announcement said. "Our notification timing to the Brigade and to you was based out of respect to his family." 

According to the notification, support resources are being made available to those affected by the loss.

"The Naval Academy is deeply saddened to confirm that Midshipman Second Class (junior) Kyle Philbert James has passed. The circumstances surrounding his death are currently under investigation. Midshipman Philbert James was from Whippany, NJ, and 20 years old. He was a member of the 36th Company, a History major and participated with the USNA Gospel Choir," the academy said in a statement.  "The Midshipman Development Center, Chaplain’s Center and Chain of Command are available to provide counseling and support services to midshipmen, faculty and staff. It is painful to lose a member of our Naval Academy family, and as we attempt to better understand this tremendous loss, we offer our deepest condolences to Philbert James’ family, close friends, classmates and company mates during this extremely difficult time."