Devon Jeffrey Faehnrich is the latest sailor stationed in Hampton Roads to die by suicide.

Chief regional medical examiner Donna Price confirmed Faehnrich's cause of death was ruled a suicide. His manner of death was a gunshot wound to the head.

Faehnrich was found unresponsive earlier this week on a pier next to the submarine he was assigned to, the USS Montana. 

Faehnrich joined the Navy in 2021, right after leaving high school in Westminster, Colorado. The USS Montana was his first boat after finishing submarine school. An Electronics Technician 3rd Class, he was in the process of being promoted.

Four sailors serving on the Norfolk-based USS George Washington died by suicide last year, along with another four sailors assigned to the Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center at Naval Station Norfolk.

The Navy recently released the Mental Health Playbook to help commanders have more open conversations about suicide and notice warning signs among sailors.

The manual also asks commanders to look at leadership issues that could impact the mental health of those under their command.

Though the numbers have leveled off recently, the suicide risk among troops has been above the national average for two decades.

If you or someone you know needs help, please dial 988 to reach the national suicide and crisis hotline.

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