US Navy civilian employee Reginald Collins is found dead on USS George HW Bush aircraft carrier at Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia
- Reginald Collins, 44, was found unconscious aboard the USS George HW Bush on December 7
- Collins has been a pipe fitter at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard for the past twelve years
- The veteran who served in Afghanistan is survived by his wife and four children
A civilian U.S. Navy employee was found dead on the USS George HW Bush at Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia earlier this month.
Reginald Collins, 44, was found unconscious while aboard the ship on December 7 around 2 p.m. He was later pronounced dead.
The member of the Norfolk Naval Shipyard's temporary services department died four days after his 44th birthday.
“Our thoughts and condolences go out to the employee's family, friends and colleagues,” a Navy Yard spokesman said in a statement.
The cause of death has not been released as the Naval Criminal Investigation Service is currently investigating the incident.
Reginald Collins, 44, was found dead earlier this month on the USS George HW Bush at Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia
Collins was found unconscious aboard the aircraft carrier USS George HW Bush on December 7 around 2 p.m. (pictured in 2018)
Two strikes were held after civilian worker was found dead to provide workers with 'safety, grief and counseling options'
The day after he was found unconscious, a shipwide walkout was conducted to “discuss safety, distress and counseling options,” the spokesperson said.
According to the statement, another standdown was organized by the Norfolk Naval Shipyard on December 11.
Additional “support options” were provided by the Department of the Navy's Civilian Employee Assistance Program for civilian workers in need.
Collin's celebration of his lifetime of service took place Monday at Metropolitan Funeral Services in Norfolk, Virginia. He was buried the same day.
Before his unexpected death, Collins had been a pipe fitter at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard for the past twelve years.
Before his unexpected death, Collins had been a pipe fitter at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard for the past twelve years. The USS George HW Bush was pictured at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard in 2019
Navy personnel were photographed working on the USS George HW Bush in July 2020
Collins was a combat veteran who served in Afghanistan and a deputy with the Indiana Sheriff's Department his obituary.
“Reggie was known for his profound intelligence in learning the Farsi language while in Afghanistan,” the obituary reads.
The 44-year-old also owned Up In Smoke BBQ 'where he demonstrated precise smoking, barbecuing and cooking skills.'
“Reggie's other past included his love of boxing and watching his favorite team, the New York Jets, win or lose,” the obituary reads.
Collins was survived by his wife, Chiquita Collins, and four children, Israel, Jayden, Carlos Hunt and London Joyner.
The shipyard spokesperson said the investigation is ongoing and no further information has been released.