Tragedy at Great Lakes: Navy Recruit Kayshawn Wilkerson Dies by Self-Inflicted Gunshot

Tragedy at Great Lakes: Navy Recruit Kayshawn Wilkerson Dies by Self-Inflicted Gunshot

On Wednesday, August 6, 2025, Seaman Recruit Kayshawn Wilkerson, an 18-year-old from Ocala, Florida, tragically died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head while at the Naval Station Great Lakes’ firing range in North Chicago, Illinois.Stars and Stripes

Timeline of Events

• Around 1:45 p.m., the Great Lakes Police, Fire Department, and North Chicago first responders were dispatched to Building 7315—the USS Wisconsin firing range—following a report of a shooting.Stars and Stripes

• First responders discovered Wilkerson unresponsive, suffering a gunshot wound to the head, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.Stars and Stripes

• An autopsy conducted by the Lake County Coroner’s Office confirmed the cause of death was self-inflicted.Stars and Stripes

Official Statements

• The Naval Service Training Command, speaking through Lt. Beau Nickerson, expressed grief over the loss and said the Navy is providing full support to Wilkerson’s family, friends, and shipmates.Stars and Stripes

• The Navy also emphasized that, out of respect for the family and to preserve the integrity of the investigation, no further details would be released at this time.

Ongoing Investigation

• The Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), in tandem with the Lake County Coroner’s Office, continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding Wilkerson’s death.Stars and Stripes

Context & Significance

• Naval Station Great Lakes is the Navy’s only boot camp and its largest training installation, critical in molding new recruits.

• This incident highlights the intense pressures that military recruits may face and underscores the vital importance of mental health awareness and resources in high-stress training environments.

Summary Timeline