A promising Ghanaian officer serving in the United States Army has tragically lost his life during a scuba certification training exercise in Pennsylvania.
Captain Stephen Oduro Adjei, 31, died on September 26 while participating in certification dive training at Lake Hydra, a well-known underwater training facility near Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The United States Military Academy at West Point later confirmed his death, saying the circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation.
Adjei, originally from Accra, Ghana, was assigned to the Department of Military Instruction at West Point, where he had served as an instructor since 2024. He was responsible for helping train and prepare cadets while representing several Army logistics branches.
Reports indicate that Adjei was reported missing during the underwater training session. Divers from another group at the facility reportedly joined efforts to locate him. After he was brought out of the water, emergency assistance was provided, including by individuals with medical training, but efforts to revive him were unsuccessful.
Adjei was reportedly on a promising military career path, with accounts indicating that he was expected to advance to the rank of Major.
His death has sent shockwaves through the West Point community and among Ghanaians who have celebrated the accomplishments of citizens serving abroad.
West Point Commandant of Cadets Brigadier General Joe Katz expressed condolences to Adjei’s family, praising his dedication to cadets, commitment to his colleagues and service to others. The academy said support was being provided to his relatives, friends and military unit.
Lake Hydra, formerly known as Dutch Springs, is a spring-fed former limestone quarry used extensively for scuba certification, professional dive instruction and underwater training. The facility restricts access primarily to certified instructors, organizations, dive professionals and supervised students.
Authorities have not publicly announced what caused Captain Adjei’s death. The Lehigh County Coroner’s Office is investigating, and officials have cautioned against drawing conclusions until the investigation is completed.
Captain Stephen Oduro Adjei’s death cuts short a military career marked by service, leadership and a commitment to training the next generation of U.S. Army officers.
