Decorated Navy SEAL commander found dead at home in San Diego took his own life

A decorated Navy SEAL found dead at his home in San Diego took his own life, authorities have said.

Cmdr. Robert Ramirez III, 47, a war hero whose awards include medals for service in Iraq and Afghanistan, was found on Monday.

The San Diego medical examiner’s office told DailyMail.com that Ramirez died by suicide.

Friends of relatives of Ramirez continued to pay tributes to the married father last night after news of his death broke on Wednesday.

He joined the military in 1996 and was commissioned in 2008.

Cmdr. Robert Ramirez III, 47, was found dead on Monday after taking his own life. Friends and colleagues paid tribute to a ‘great hero’ and ‘amazing human’

Ramirez, pictured with wife Anne, took command of SEAL Team 1 last month, having arrived at the unit in June

He has three Combat Action Ribbons, including for service in both Iraq and Afghanistan.

His other decorations include five Bronze Star Medals, two with the Combat ‘V’ device denoting valor and acts of heroism.

Miguel Riggs, a childhood friend and former basketball teammate, described Ramirez as a ‘very bright man’.

Military colleagues remembered him as a ‘great hero’ and ‘brother and friend’.

Capt. David Abernathy, commanding officer of Naval Special Warfare Group 1, which manages all San Diego-based SEAL teams, said: ‘Bobby was an outstanding leader, devoted husband and father, and a good friend to us all.

‘This is a devastating loss to our community and all who knew him. We will remain in support of Bobby’s family, friends and teammates during this extremely difficult time.’

Ramirez, pictured with his family, joined the military in 1996 and was commissioned in 2008. He has three Combat Action Ribbons, including for service in both Iraq and Afghanistan

The San Diego sheriff opened an investigation into the death but ruled out foul play.

Ramirez took command of SEAL Team 1 last month, having arrived at the unit in June.

He was married to wife Anne and they raised a family together.

A friend, Jennifer James, said: ‘I am devastated. Anne Ramirez and Robert Ramirez III have been my friends since high school and have represented our country through multiple deployments and sacrifices to serve the mission of the USA.

‘We lost an amazing human on Monday and Anne and Bobby’s story must be told.’

Obi Ugochukwu, a Navy medic, said: ‘This is just a devastating loss. The pain of this loss cuts really deep.

‘Many of us were at Bobby’s Change of Command Ceremony and it was such a joyous occasion. I can’t understand this and I am just praying for Anne, the children and the rest of the family.

‘We lost a GREAT HERO and this will hurt for a very long time.’