<p>A first-year student at the Naval Academy died tonight at the University of Maryland Medical Center after he was hospitalized last week for a suspected case of bacterial meningitis, an academy spokeswoman said.</p>
<p>The 20-year-old's name is being held pending family notification. The midshipman became ill Wednesday at Bancroft Hall and was transported to Baltimore Washington Medical Center for initial treatment. As a precaution, 44 midshipmen, staff and first responders who have had close contact with the student are taking antibiotics and are being monitored by medical staff.</p>
<p>Sooooo Sad. Our hearts and prayers go out to the plebe's family and friends. The plebe must have been very special or they would not have been attending the Academy.</p>
<p>The young midshipman that died was the roomate of my son's best friend. Needless to say everyone is upset about this terrible event. Prayers to all involved are being said in our house tonight.</p>
<p>The Naval Academy in Annapolis now confirms Midshipman Frederick Eissler died from complications due to bacterial meningitis.</p>
<p>The 20-year-old from West Chester, Pa. began feeling ill last Wednesday. He was taken to Baltimore Washington Medical Center for treatment of possible meningitis. He was then moved to the University of Maryland Medical Center last Friday.</p>
<p>"The Naval Academy is deeply saddened by this tragic loss. Our most heartfelt sympathies and condolences go out to the Eissler family. Our thoughts are with them during this difficult time," said Naval Academy Superintendent, Vice Adm. Jeffrey Fowler.</p>
<p>At this point, no other midshipmen, faculty or staff have been diagnosed with bacterial meningitis. But as a precautionary measure, the Academy's medical staff has identified 63 people who came in close contact with Eissler. They are being given antibiotics and are being closely monitored by medical staff.</p>
<p>Eissler attended the Naval Academy Preparatory School (NAPS) from 2007-2008, before entering the Naval Academy last July. He was a member of the 22nd Company and took part in intramural sports.</p>
<p>Funeral services will be held at the Naval Academy Chapel at noon on Friday.</p>
<p>When it became clear the end was near, 200 Midshipmen changed into Service Dress Blue uniforms, carpooled to the Baltimore hospital, and stood outside their shipmate's hospital room, lining two walls of the corridor. When the plebe's gurney was rolled past them for final tests, they all put their hands over their hearts and sang "Navy Blue & Gold." </p>
<p>Later, the Mids were informed that their shipmate had passed away. They broke into the Navy Hymn for his grieving parents. I'm told the whole hospital was in tears.</p>
<p>I'm sure the entire hospital was in tears. I am in tears just reading about it. It is an amazing tribute. Most of the mids only met this young man in the last 4 months. Some may not even know him. The only thing that mattered was the fact that he was a shipmate in need.</p>
<p>WOW! any doubts i had about (hopefully) attending usna just went away. I am proud to live in a country with people of this caliber and hopefully this time next year, i will be there with them.</p>
<p>From the point of view of a USNA plebe mom who has a son who is very close to this situation, I could not be more impressed with how USNA handled this. I'm also in awe at how my son and his shipmates have been treated by the family and friends of the mid who passed. In the midst of their grief, they have been very very kind and thoughtful towards the mids who are grieving as well.</p>
<p>Yes, it has been posted to the USNA family. It would be out of order to post it on this thread. That said, I'm sure a card sent to the Academy Alumni Association, Parent Club Coordinator @ USNA would be forwarded to the Eissler family.</p>