A former U.S. Navy SEAL who deserted from the military nearly four years ago has died fighting in Ukraine, according to a military spokesman.
Daniel W. Swift, a Class 1 special operations operator, was killed in Ukraine on Wednesday, the Navy said in a statement. Swift was discharged from the military on March 11, 2019.
The statement did not specify how Swift found herself drawn into the fight.
We cannot speculate as to why the former sailor was in Ukraine,” the Navy said.
A Navy official said Swift had his Trident pin removed, a drastic measure after the Trident review board determined a sailor no longer met the requirements to become a Navy SEAL.
The U.S. State Department confirmed the recent death of a U.S. citizen who fought in Ukraine, but gave no further details about the circumstances.
“We are in touch with the family and are providing all possible consular assistance,” a State Department spokesman said. “Out of respect for the family’s privacy during this difficult time, we have nothing to add.”
Swift joined the Navy in 2005 and completed SEAL training in 2006, according to service records provided by the Navy. During his military service, he received medals and decorations for his service in Iraq and Afghanistan.
His record also includes unexplained service interruptions from early 2014 to late 2015. His last assignment was with West Coast Special Operations Forces, which began in August 2016.
CNN’s Jennifer Hansler contributed to this report.