Two Special Agents Killed in Maritime Training Exercise

Photo: FBI Hostage Rescue Team personnel fast-rope down onto a ship from UH-1N helicopters during a maritime counter terrorism training scenario. HRT maintains a designated maritime Tactical Unit which includes a number of personnel proficient with closed-circuit diving and at least one agent capable of piloting large vessels. [Credit: Office of the Inspector General]

Two FBI agents died off the coast of Virginia Beach on Friday, after falling from a helicopter that experienced difficulties during a maritime counterterrorism exercise.

A spokeswoman from the FBI stated that the agents were in the process of fast-roping from the aircraft onto a ship when the helicopter encountered complications. The agents tragically fell a significant distance and suffered fatal injuries.

The FBI released this official statement on Sunday:

Two FBI special agents were tragically killed Friday during a training exercise off the coast of Virginia Beach, Virginia. Special Agent Christopher Lorek and Special Agent Stephen Shaw were members of the FBI’s elite Hostage Rescue Team, part of the Critical Incident Response Group based at Quantico, Virginia. The cause of the incident is under review.

In a statement, FBI Director Robert S. Mueller said, “We mourn the loss of two brave and courageous men. Like all who serve on the Hostage Rescue Team, they accept the highest risk each and every day, when training and on operational missions, to keep our nation safe. Our hearts are with their wives, children, and other loved ones who feel their loss most deeply. And they will always be part of the FBI Family.”

Special Agent Lorek, age 41, joined the FBI in 1996. He is survived by his wife and two daughters, ages 11 and 8. Special Agent Shaw, 40, joined the FBI in 2005 and is survived by his wife; a daughter, age 3; and a son, age 1.