A Navy Reserve Commander found dead in his room in Qatar was a longtime pilot and father of five, according to media reports.

Cmdr. Christopher E. Kalafut, 49, of Acworth, died Friday in a non-combat related incident at Al Udeid Air Base, the U.S. Department of Defense said. Kalafut’s death is under investigation, which is protocol for on-base deaths.

Kalafut worked as a pilot for Delta Air Lines and was deployed in July, his father told Stars and Stripes, a newspaper serving the military. He had planned to retire after his latest assignment.

Kalafut is survived by his wife, Mary, and five children ranging in age from 12 to 21.

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Braves first baseman Matt Olson (left) is greeted by Ronald Acuña Jr. after batting during the MLB Home Run Derby as part of the All-Star Game festivities on Monday, July 14, 2025, at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

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