Death of Massachusetts sailor announced, flags to be lowered to half-staff

The death of a Massachusetts sailor has been announced.

According to Massachusetts State Representative Steven Xiarhos, Ensign Oliver Cole, a 26-year-old from Beverly, Massachusetts, passed away on February 17, 2025.

Cole was a man of quiet strength, intelligence, and generosity, leading a life rich in adventure and always seeking new challenges. Oliver was active in various pursuits, including walking the woods of Dogtown, practicing archery, and scuba diving. His deep curiosity and ability to learn anything he set his mind to made him a fascinating individual. He pursued a career in the Navy, beginning at Maine Maritime Academy, where he graduated from the Engineering Technology program.  

In honor of Ensign Cole’s service, the United States and Commonwealth of Massachusetts flags will be lowered to half-staff from sunrise until sunset on Friday, March 7, 2025, the day of his internment.

Details on Cole’s death were not released.