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The Waukegan Police Department initially led the search for Gray, with assistance from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Coast Guard. However, as the search enters its sixth day, the U.S. Navy is now joining the effort to find Gray.
“Naval Station Great Lakes is cooperating with the Waukegan Police Department on the ongoing search for Seaman Gray,” Commander Corey Barker, a spokesperson for the Naval Station, Great Lakes, told ABC7 Chicago. “Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) is also assisting with the investigation.”
The NCIS is the law enforcement agency for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, responsible for conducting criminal investigations, counterintelligence activities, and security operations worldwide.
The addition of the NCIS to the search for Gray suggests that authorities are now considering the possibility of foul play. Speaking to ABC7 Chicago, Commander Barker declined to comment further on the investigation.
Meanwhile, Gray’s family and friends are still desperately searching for any clues to his whereabouts. They have set up a Facebook page, “Help Find Sailor Seamus Gray,” to share information and coordinate search efforts.
“We just want to find him,” Gray’s mother, Maura Gray, told ABC7 Chicago. “We are just trying to stay positive and think he is out there somewhere.”
Maura Gray said her son had been stationed at Naval Station Great Lakes for about a year and a half, and was due to leave the military in August. She described him as “a good kid” who loved his job as an aviation mechanic.
“He was always positive and happy… he was looking forward to coming home,” Maura Gray said.
However, Gray’s family has also revealed that he was struggling with mental health issues in the months leading up to his disappearance. His mother said he had been diagnosed with depression and anxiety, and was taking medication.
“He had a lot of good days, but he had a few really bad days,” Maura Gray said. “So it’s not unusual for him to have a bad day, but it is unusual for him to completely disappear.”
Gray’s disappearance has sparked concern among other military families and advocates for mental health.
“Every parent’s nightmare is hearing that their child is missing. It is heart-wrenching and devastating,” said Kathy Platoni, a psychologist and Army veteran who has worked with other military families who have lost loved ones to suicide.
“We don’t know at this point what led to this, but we do know that mental health struggles are real,” Platoni added. “My heart goes out to this family and I hope and pray that they find their son safe and sound.”
As the search for Gray continues, authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. The Waukegan Police Department has set up a tip line specifically for this case, and the NCIS is also accepting tips.
“We’re just hoping that someone saw something, or heard something, or has some information that will help us find him,” Maura Gray said. “We just want him to know that we love him and we miss him.”
The search for Sailor Seamus Gray serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by military personnel and their families. Gray joined the Navy to serve his country and pursue his dreams, but his struggles with mental health may have contributed to his disappearance.
As a society, we must continue to support our service members and veterans, not only during their time in the military, but also during their transition back to civilian life. Mental health care must be a top priority, and we must work to eliminate the stigma that surrounds seeking help for mental health issues.
Until Sailor Seamus Gray is found, his family and friends will continue to hold out hope and pray for his safe return.
