UPDATED: Decorated Navy SEAL From University Place Dies In Motorcycle Crash

A Navy SEAL from University Place died Wednesday when he was involved in a motorcycle accident while on leave in Indonesia.

According to the Department of Defense, Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Michael R. Tatham, 33, of University Place, was involved in a fatal motorcycle accident Wednesday, while on rest and recuperation leave from supporting Operation Enduring Freedom in Bali, Indonesia. Tatham was assigned to a West Coast based Naval Special Warfare unit.

Lt. Commander Frank Magallon, public affairs officer with the Naval Special Warfare unit in California, said officials are still trying to get more information on the accident.

Here's more information from the Navy Times publication:

A decorated Navy SEAL combat veteran who was on leave in Indonesia died Oct. 12 in a motorcycle crash, the Naval Special Warfare Command said late Thursday.

The accident in Bali killed Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Michael R. Tatham, 33, of University Place, Wash., Naval Special Warfare Group 1 said in a news release. Tatham, who enlisted in October 2002, was forward deployed to Afghanistan with a West Coast-based naval special warfare unit at the time. No other details were available about the accident, said Lt. Cmdr. Frank Magallon, a group spokesman.

Tatham “was a dedicated SEAL and a cherished teammate,” Capt. Collin Green, NSWG-1’s commander at Naval Base Coronado, Calif., said in a statement. “He was the epitome of professionalism, and his humble and selfless service to our country made him a role model for all.”

A native of Fayetteville, N.C., Tatham graduated in April 2004 with Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL Class 248 after completing SEAL Qualification Training, and he continued advanced training after reporting to his West Coast-based SEAL team.

His military awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal with combat “V,” Joint Service Achievement Medal, four Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medals including one with “V,” two Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, three Sea Service Deployment Ribbons and NATO Service Medal, along with the expert rifle and expert pistol ribbons.