The late Captain Stephen O. Adjei
U.S. Army Captain Stephen O. Adjei, a 31-year-old Logistics officer and instructor at the U.S. Military Academy West Point, tragically died following an off-post scuba diving incident at Lake Hydra in Pennsylvania. His death was officially announced by the Army on October 1, 2026.
Capt. Adjei was born in Accra, Ghana, and was a longtime resident of Worcester, Massachusetts. He came from a dedicated military family; his father served in the Ghanaian Army and later became a Sergeant First Class in the U.S. Army at Fort Drum. Capt. Adjei earned his commission through the ROTC program in May 2017.
The Lehigh County Coroner’s Office and local officials are investigating the cause of death, and a memorial service is planned at West Point in October 2026.
The U.S. Military Academy and West Point community extended its deepest condolences and support to the family of Army Capt. Stephen O. Adjei.
“Our hearts are with the Adjei family during this difficult time. Capt. Adjei’s dedication to our cadets, commitment to his teammates, and service to others left a lasting impact on our community. He will be greatly missed,” said Commandant of Cadets Brig. Gen. Joe Katz.
As an instructor in the Department of Military Instruction Accession Division, Adjei taught MS100 and served as a branch representative for quartermaster, transportation corps, ordnance, and explosive ordnance disposal branches since arriving to the U.S. Military Academy in June 2024.
Adjei’s service and prior deployments include distribution platoon leader, deploying to Camp Casey, South Korea, as well as commanding a Forward Support Company in the 1-187th Infantry Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division.
Adjei’s awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with 5 oak leaf clusters as well as earning the Pathfinder and Air Assault Badges.