Active Duty Coast Guard Petty Officer Commits Suicide

2015-08-28T17:17:20-04:00

This just goes to show everyone that suicide happens across all branches of service. Not just those who see combat. One of the causes is depression, which is difficult to identify. Please observe a moment of silence for our fallen brother.

Coast Guard announces death of officer
BY ADAM LINHARDT Citizen Staff
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The Coast Guard on Tuesday identified Petty Officer 2nd Class Jonathan Kruse as the man who was found dead Monday morning at Sector Key West due to an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.

Kruse, 28, formerly of Eureka, Oregon, was stationed aboard the recently commissioned 154-foot Fast Response Cutter Charles David Jr. as a gunner’ s mate, said Sector Key West spokeswoman Lt. j.g. Kate Webb.

Kruse had been assigned to the Charles David Jr. since May 10, 2003 and was a plankowner, meaning he was part of the original commissioning crew, Webb said. Kruse joined the Coast Guard on July 18, 2005.

The Coast Guard Investigative Service is looking into the death and was awaiting the autopsy report. Foul play wasn’t believed to be a factor in what appears to be a suicide, said CGIS Resident Agent in Charge Paul Shultz.

The Citizen withheld publication of the incident in Tuesday’s paper as Coast Guard leaders were still notifying next of kin.

“It is with great sadness that I confirm the death of one of our active-duty Coast Guard members in Key West,” District Seven Lt. Cmdr. Gabe Somma wrote in a released statement. “The deceased member was discovered this morning (Monday) on Sector Key West property and appeared to suffer a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of this service member. The Coast Guard is cooperating with law enforcement in the investigation and we are working to ensure our military families and shipmates receive the proper counseling and support needed during this difficult time.”

Sector Key West falls under the larger jurisdiction of Coast Guard District Seven, which is headquartered in Miami.

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Coast Guard announces death of officer | KeysNews.com

Coast Guard announces death of officer Key West Citizen - Friday, August 28, 2015 The Coast Guard on Tuesday identified Petty Officer 2nd Class Jonathan Kruse as the man who was found dead Monday morning at Sector Key West due to an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the...

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 28 at 2015 5:55 PM

2015-08-28T17:55:03-04:00

Being able to see the signs and help someone on the verge is very difficult. You're right, it is important to remind us that this isn't something specific to a group of people in combat or any other combination. It is a wide-spread issue that deserves attention and understanding to help our men and women cope with their problems and get whatever help they need to make it through the rough patches of life.

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Aug 28 at 2015 6:32 PM

2015-08-28T18:32:33-04:00

We often hide our struggles as not to allow others to see us in a vulnerable state. This is a huge problem across all our services and I appreciate you bringing this to the front PO2 Jeffrey Sheibels. My prayers and thoughts go out to the family, friends, service members and those closest to PO2 Jonathan Kruse, truly a sad day for all.

Response by PO2 Jonathan Scharff made Aug 28 at 2015 6:35 PM

2015-08-28T18:35:24-04:00

Thoughts and prayers going out to his family and friends. A sad day for the Coast Guard family.

Response by MSgt Curtis Ellis made Aug 28 at 2015 8:33 PM

2015-08-28T20:33:35-04:00

My thoughts and prayers are with him and his...

Response by Elizabeth Williams made Dec 5 at 2019 9:54 AM

2019-12-05T09:54:56-05:00

I found this site today, looking for one of the articles printed in a Key West newspaper the week he passed. His family and I never had the chance to rewrite his obituary or information correctly. Someone had written about him and had many details wrong and we just wanted the details to be corrected. This post seems accurate. Except he was from Eugene Oregon, not Eureka. I am currently remarried and living in NC where I am from. If you can help me find the original article printed in the local Key West papers the week he passed that would be great. I just want to use it to rewrite things and put it down accurately and help his family write something in memory of him