Drake, a graduate of Triad High School, was an electronics technician on the ship. He and nine other sailors died when the U.S.S. McCain collided with a merchant vessel near Singapore. According to a U.S. Fleet Forces Command report, partial blame for the accident was attributed to "poor seamanship" and "a failure to follow safe navigational practices."
» READ MORE: Body of Champaign County sailor who died in Navy crash comes home
Drake’s body was flown home in September and a procession through West Jefferson in Madison County drew a large crowd. Residents paid respect to the fallen sailor by waving flags and praying for Drake as his body was taken to the Rader-McDonald-Tidd Funeral Home. Some residents said they wanted to be there to show support for the family and to honor Drake’s sacrifice for his country.
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