Sailor found dead on board USS Helena at Norfolk Naval Base

NORFOLK, Virginia – A sailor was found dead aboard a Norfolk-based submarine last month, the U.S. Navy said Wednesday.

“Submarine Sonar Technician 3rd Class Timothy S. Sanders, assigned to USS Helena (SSN 725), was found deceased on board the boat dock at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, on May 24, 2024,” the Navy said in a statement.

According to Sanders’ online obituary, the 22-year-old was born in Wisconsin and lived in Florida his entire life. The post states: “Timmy loved his service in the Navy, loved being a sailor, and loved his shipmates like family.”

The Navy said grief counseling and support was being offered through the chain of command. “We deeply mourn the loss of our shipmate and our thoughts and prayers are with the sailor’s family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time,” the statement continued.

The Naval Safety Command website lists the cause of death as electrocution. The Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) is investigating the incident.

The Navy did not provide any information about the circumstances that led to Sanders’ death.