Shazanta Brashear, also known as Shane, was the first child of Carl Brashear, the first African American to become a U.S. Navy Master Diver. Carl Brashear’s life story was depicted in the movie Men of Honor, starring Cuba Gooding Jr. and Robert De Niro. Shane followed his father’s footsteps and joined the U.S. Army, serving in the Vietnam War. He died at the age of 41 on November 13, 1996, in Fisherville, Virginia. But what was the cause of his death? And why is it not publicly known?
A Life of Challenges and Achievements
Shane was born on April 17, 1955, in Queens County, New York, to Carl and Junetta Brashear. He had three brothers: DaWayne, Phillip, and Patrick. His father, Carl, was a pioneer in the field of diving and salvage in the U.S. Navy. He faced racial discrimination and death threats from his white colleagues, but he persevered and became the first black Navy diver in 1954. He also overcame a tragic accident that resulted in the amputation of his lower left leg in 1966. He refused to retire and became the first amputee to be restored to full active duty as a diver in 1968. He retired from the Navy in 1979 with the rank of Master Chief Petty Officer.
Shane was inspired by his father’s courage and determination. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on February 28, 1974, and served in the Vietnam War as a private. He was discharged on June 12, 1974, after four months of service. He then pursued higher education and completed two years of college, according to his marriage certificate.
He married Phyllis Marie Darden on December 12, 1980, in Portsmouth, Virginia. They had a son named Randy. Shane worked as a computer technician for IBM and lived in Norfolk, Virginia.
A Mysterious Death
On November 13, 1996, Shane died at the Augusta County Medical Center in Fisherville, Virginia. He was buried at the Woodlawn Memorial Gardens in Norfolk. His obituary stated that he was survived by his wife, son, parents, and brothers.
However, the cause of his death was not mentioned in his obituary or any other public records. It is not clear why his death was kept secret or what circumstances led to it. Some possible reasons could be:
He died of natural causes or an illness that he or his family did not want to disclose.
He died of an accident or a crime that was not solved or reported.
He died of suicide or drug overdose that he or his family did not want to admit.
He died of a war-related injury or trauma that he or his family did not want to acknowledge.
Whatever the reason, Shane’s death remains a mystery to this day. His father, Carl, died ten years later in 2006 at the age of 75 from respiratory and heart failure. His mother, Junetta, is still alive and resides in Virginia Beach.
A Legacy of Honor
Shane’s life may have been short and obscure, but he was part of a legacy of honor and bravery that his father left behind. Carl Brashear was a role model for many people who faced adversity and discrimination in their lives. He received numerous awards and honors for his service and achievements, including the Navy and Marine Corps Medal, the Bronze Star Medal with Valor Device, the Purple Heart Medal, and the Meritorious Service Medal. He was also inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame and the Kentucky Commission on Human Rights Hall of Fame.
Shane may not have achieved the same level of fame or recognition as his father, but he shared his father’s spirit and values. He served his country with dignity and honor. He pursued his education and career with passion and dedication. He loved his family and friends with loyalty and compassion.
Shane’s death may be unknown to many people, but his life is worth remembering and celebrating.
