Mdn. David Forney

story link: How do you say farewell to a teammate? Another death for a Naval Academy already in mourning


Navy's David Forney (68) carries the Naval Academy flag onto the field prior to the Midshipmen playing against University of South Florida in Annapolis. (Paul W. Gillespie/Capital Gazette)

Heartbreaking to lose one so young and full of promise. Thank you for your willingness to serve our country;

Quote:The Navy football lineman died in his dorm room Feb. 20, just weeks before his life was expected to open up with seemingly endless possibilities.

Forney recently completed four highly regarded seasons with the Navy football program. He was preparing to audition for professional scouts under new Pentagon rules for service academy athletes. The standout offensive lineman was the epitome of visible health — a 6-foot-3, 300-pound behemoth.

He was named first team All-American Athletic Conference and was a team leader as the Midshipmen posted a final record of 11-2 — beating service academy rivals Air Force and Army to capture the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy then defeating Kansas State to secure the Liberty Bowl championship.

Whether he eventually pursued professional football or the Navy career in cryptology he selected, Forney’s promise will remain infinite and unfulfilled. The cause of his death has yet to be determined but is widely suspected as a heart attack.

It is a passing compounded by the grief still fresh at the academy for Midshipman 3rd Class Duke Carrillo, who collapsed Feb. 8 during the last portion of the semi-annual physical readiness test. The cause of his death also remains unclear.