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EXCLUSIVE: The highly decorated Navy SEAL commander, 47, was found dead at his San Diego home and took his own life, authorities reveal, as tributes to the war hero and family man continue to pour in .
- Commander Robert Ramirez III, 47, a war hero whose awards include medals for his service in Iraq and Afghanistan, was found dead Monday.
- The San Diego Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed to DailyMail.com that Ramirez committed suicide
- Ramírez, who was married with children, was remembered as a “very brilliant man” and an “incredible human being.”
- His decorations include five Bronze Star Medals, two with the Combat ‘V’ device denoting valor and acts of heroism.
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A decorated Navy SEAL found dead at his home in San Diego has taken his own life, authorities said.
Commander Robert Ramirez III, 47, a war hero whose awards include medals for his service in Iraq and Afghanistan, was found Monday.
The San Diego Medical Examiner’s Office told DailyMail.com that Ramirez committed suicide.
Friends of Ramírez’s relatives continued to pay tributes to the married father last night after news of his death broke on Wednesday.
He joined the Army in 1996 and was commissioned in 2008.
Commander Robert Ramírez III, 47, was found dead Monday after taking his own life. Friends and colleagues paid tribute to a ‘great hero’ and ‘incredible human’
Ramirez, pictured with his wife Anne, assumed command of SEAL Team 1 last month and joined the unit in June.
He has three combat action ribbons, including for service in Iraq and Afghanistan.
His other decorations include five Bronze Star Medals, two with the Combat ‘V’ device denoting valor and acts of heroism.
Miguel Riggs, a childhood friend and former basketball teammate, described Ramírez as a “very bright man.”
His military colleagues remembered him as a ‘great hero’ and ‘brother and friend’.
Capt. David Abernathy, Commanding Officer of Naval Special Warfare Group 1, which manages all San Diego-based SEAL teams, said: ‘Bobby was an outstanding leader, a devoted husband and father, and a good friend to all of us.
“This is a devastating loss for our community and everyone who knew him. We will continue to support Bobby’s family, friends and teammates during this extremely difficult time.”
Ramirez, pictured with his family, joined the military in 1996 and was commissioned in 2008. He has three combat action tapes, including for service in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The San Diego sheriff opened an investigation into the death, but ruled out foul play.
Ramirez assumed command of SEAL Team 1 last month, having joined the unit in June.
He was married to his wife Anne and they raised a family together.
A friend, Jennifer James, said: ‘I’m 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 US mission.
“We lost an incredible human on Monday and Anne and Bobby’s story must be told.”
Obi Ugochukwu, a Navy medic, said: “This is just a devastating loss.” The pain of this loss is very deep.
‘Many of us were at Bobby’s change of command ceremony and it was a very joyous occasion. I cannot understand this and am just praying for Anne, the children and the rest of the family.
“We lost a BIG HERO and this will hurt for a long time.”