US Navy sailor from Etowah falls overboard in Baltic Sea; search efforts called off

HENDERSON COUNTY, N.C. (WLOS) — A young U.S. Navy sailor from the Etowah community of Henderson County fell overboard a Navy ship on Monday, Aug. 1 in the Baltic Sea, and the search and rescue efforts have been called off.

The family of David "Dee" Spearman confirmed Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2022, that he was the man who fell overboard Monday near Helsinki, Finland.

Spearman was 19 years old.

He completed Navy basic training in January 2022 and had been deployed to work aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Arleigh Burke.

A statement posted to the United States Fleet Forces Command website Tuesday, Aug. 2, read:

"The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51) conducted search and rescue efforts for a man overboard while operating in the Baltic Sea, Aug. 1, 2022."

The search and rescue efforts ceased on Aug. 2, the post said.

Spearman's mother said he came from a family that saw several generations serve in the Navy.

An investigation is ongoing. Officials have not provided any further information.