Former Navy SEAL Dan Cerrillo unexpectedly passed away this month, the news being confirmed by his daughter.
“He suffered from a heart attack while he was running a shooting course,” Taylor Cerrillo posted to Instagram. “I will do my best to continue on his dreams, his legacy, and his desire to save our hero’s (sic).”
The late military man is survived by daughter Taylor, son Kellan, and wife Leilani. Taylor Cerrillo is a flying trapeze artist who currently performs with Cirque Du Soleil. She also competed with her troupe on America’s Got Talent: Extreme.
Who was Dan Cerrillo?
Dan Cerrillo was a former Navy SEAL who served from 1993 to 2005. He graduated as a member of BUD/S Class 194 and served with SEAL Team One as an operator and instructor. Cerrillo completed three deployments during his time with the Navy SEALs including directing missions related to Operation Enduring and Iraqi Freedom.
Throughout his time in service, Cerrillo was awarded with many accolades. This includes the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Navy Commendation, as well as Navy and Presidential Unit Commendation Medals.
After leaving the SEALs, Cerrillo worked for Vulcan, Inc as a Control Risks Executive Protection Specialist. He oversaw the safety and security of some of the most high-profile events from the Super Bowl to the Oscars.
Dan Cerrillo served on the Board of Directors of the Navy SEALs Fund until his death.
Dan went on to found Spartan 7 Inc
In July 2016, Dan Cerrillo founded Spartan 7 Adventure. This venture provides realistic SEAL Adventures to clients. Three years later, this evolved to become Spartan 7 Inc.
The company employs highly trained operations, a majority of them veterans, to provide clients with an unparalleled experience. This offers security services, executive adventures, leadership coaching, and sober escort services for high net worth individuals, families, and corporations.
Spartan 7 was founded by Cerrillo with a $2500 personal investment. He was originally the only employee. But Spartan 7 grew in popularity and success. The company has over 250 employees and contractors. They have also seen revenue soar from $141K in 2019 to $4.1M in 2021. Spartan 7 Inc was forecasted to reach $12M in 2022.
Navy SEALs pay tribute to Dan Cerrillo
As news of Dan Cerrillo’s death is confirmed this March, a number of friends and former colleagues have taken to the internet to pay homage.
“He was a role model in so many ways, as a Navy SEAL, as a veteran, as a businessman, as a husband, as a father, and as a person in general,” Shawn Ryan tweeted of his passing. “I learned a lot on how to go about navigating life from him.”
Dan Cerrillo “was a warrior whose love saved countless veterans lives” another friend wrote in tribute.
Our thoughts are with the Cerrillo family in light of this difficult news.
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