SEAL Killed in Parachute Accident Remembered as Humble

Bradley Cavner, 31, died June 23 during the training exercise

San Diego's military community is mourning a Navy SEAL who died in a parachuting accident.

Chief Special Warfare Operator Bradley Cavner, 31, died June 23 during the training exercise in El Centro.

On Sunday, family and friends packed Coronado High School, Cavner’s alma mater.

Some high school classmates remembered Cavner as a humble, soft-spoken man, but close friends said he was also sarcastic, aggressive when necessary, quirky and charismatic.

Cavner served in Iraq and Afghanistan and earned more than 10 medals since joining the Navy in 2003. Some classmates said they didn't even realize how decorated Brad was until his death.

Growing up in the tight-knit Coronado community, friends said it's like losing a family member.

“You're a part of a family so when you see one of your own die so early, it's very upsetting,” high school classmate Leighanne Lewis said. “In a way, he died for his country, which is awesome and amazing because he gave his life, but still so devastating. You don’t just get over it.”

Friends said Cavner's father served on the Coronado Police force.

After the memorial service, mourners made their way to Danny’s Palm Bar and Grill on Orange Avenue. In the early 2000s, Danny’s started the tradition of hanging photos of fallen SEALs on the restaurant’s walls.

Employees said there are about 50 pictures on the wall and are saddened to have to add one more.

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