The U.S. Naval Academy and the Navy football community continue to remember David R. Forney, a talented Midshipman and offensive guard whose life was cut short during his senior year at Annapolis.
Forney, a native of Walkersville, Maryland, was just 22 years old when he died on February 20, 2020, after being found unresponsive inside Bancroft Hall at the Naval Academy.
His death shocked the Brigade of Midshipmen, Navy football program, classmates, coaches, family and friends. The Naval Academy later honored his life with a funeral and burial service accompanied by full military honors.
What Happened to David Forney?
According to the U.S. Naval Academy, Forney was discovered unresponsive in his room at Bancroft Hall on February 20, 2020.
A fellow midshipman who was certified in CPR began resuscitation efforts while emergency responders were on their way. Forney was transported to Anne Arundel County Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 11:28 p.m.
The Naval Academy said at the time that the cause of death was under investigation and that foul play was not suspected.
David Forney and Navy Football
Forney was a member of the Navy football team, playing offensive guard during his time at the Naval Academy.
He was completing his senior year as part of the Class of 2020 and had been preparing for his next stage after college football. His death came only months before he was scheduled to graduate.
Navy football head coach Ken Niumatalolo described the loss as devastating to the program, emphasizing the close relationship between members of the Navy football family. Naval Academy representatives also remembered Forney as someone who brought passion, perseverance and leadership both to the football field and to his life as a midshipman.
His Life at the Naval Academy
Forney entered the Naval Academy after completing a year at the Naval Academy Preparatory School in Newport, Rhode Island.
He reported to Annapolis for Induction Day on June 30, 2016, and became a member of the Ninth Company.
Academically, Forney studied political science and was preparing to commission as a cryptologic warfare officer following graduation.
His Naval Academy record reflected more than his athletic ability. Officials described him as a leader who was willing to accept difficult challenges and encourage those around him to improve.
David Forney at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | David R. Forney |
| Age at death | 22 |
| Hometown | Walkersville, Maryland |
| School | U.S. Naval Academy |
| Class | 2020 |
| Major | Political Science |
| Football position | Offensive Guard |
| Company | Ninth Company |
| Military path | Cryptologic warfare officer |
| Date of death | February 20, 2020 |
| Location | U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis |
| Cause of death | Investigated; not publicly established in the Naval Academy announcement |
| Foul play | Not suspected |
Remembered as More Than a Football Player
Although Forney was known throughout the Navy community for his role on the football team, the tributes following his death also emphasized the person he was away from the field.
Friends, coaches and Naval Academy representatives remembered him as a loyal friend, son and brother who made an impression on the people around him.
His football career provided one part of his identity, but those closest to him remembered his character, determination and relationships as equally important.
The Naval Academy said his loss was deeply felt across the Brigade of Midshipmen, faculty, staff and coaching staff.
Family Remembered David Forney
Forney was survived by his parents, Erika and Rick Forney, and his three siblings, Chris, Rebekah and Erik.
The Naval Academy’s official announcement extended condolences to the Forney family while describing the death as an unexpected loss to the broader Naval Academy community.
Funeral and Military Honors
The Naval Academy held a funeral and burial service for Forney in early March 2020.
His service included military honors, with members of the Naval District Washington Ceremonial Guard carrying his flag-draped casket into the Naval Academy Chapel.
He was ultimately buried at the U.S. Naval Academy Cemetery. The ceremony included a 21-gun salute, reflecting the military honors given in remembrance of the fallen Midshipman.
A CBS Baltimore report from the time also described Forney as a friend who was highly regarded by those who knew him, with teammates and members of the Navy community gathering to honor his life.
David Forney’s Legacy
David Forney’s death came at a particularly difficult moment, when he was nearing the completion of his Naval Academy education and preparing to begin his military career.
His story remains part of the history of Navy football and the U.S. Naval Academy’s Class of 2020.
Years after his death, Forney continues to be remembered not simply for the circumstances surrounding his passing, but for the friendships he formed, his commitment to Navy football, his academic work and the military career he had been preparing to begin.
His life at Annapolis was brief, but his impact on teammates, classmates, family and friends remains part of the legacy he left behind.
Disclaimer: This article is a retrospective account based primarily on official U.S. Naval Academy records and contemporary reporting. David Forney died on February 20, 2020. The Naval Academy stated at the time that the cause of death was under investigation and that foul play was not suspected. Details about the circumstances of his death should not be expanded beyond what has been officially established.