18-year-old recruit died from self-inflicted gunshot wound at Naval Station Great Lakes: coroner

NORTH CHICAGO, Ill. (WLS) -- A sailor died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the Naval Station Great Lakes on Wednesday, the Lake County Coroner's Office confirmed on Friday.

The Naval Station Great Lakes Police Department Police Department and Naval Station Great Lakes Fire Department responded to a report of a gunshot victim on a firing range at the North Chicago facility around 1:45 p.m. Wednesday.

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First responders found 18-year-old Kayshawn Wilkerson, who had suffered a gunshot wound to the head.

Wilkerson, who was stationed at the Recruit Training Center Naval Station Great Lakes, was pronounced dead on the scene. He was originally from Ocala, Florida.

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Preliminary autopsy results indicate that Kayshawn died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, the coroner's office said Friday.

Naval Station Great Lakes issued a statement on Friday, "We are saddened to confirm the death of Seaman Recruit, Kayshawn Wilkerson, a recruit assigned to Recruit Training Command (RTC), Great Lakes, Illinois, on Aug. 06, 2025. The Navy is providing full support to the family, friends, and shipmates affected by this tragic loss. An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident is underway. Out of respect for the family and to preserve the integrity of the investigative process, no further details will be released at this time."

The Naval Criminal Investigative Service and the Lake County Coroner's Office are investigating.