FEBRUARY 7, 2022 – Two Navy SEAL candidates, assigned to Naval Special Warfare Basic Training Command, were taken to the hospital on Feb. 4 several hours after their Basic Underwater Demolition SEAL (BUD/S) class successfully completed Hell Week, part of the first phase of the Navy SEAL assessment and selection pathway.
One candidate died at Sharp Coronado Hospital in Coronado, California, on Feb. 4. The other candidate is in stable condition at Naval Medical Center San Diego.
The Sailors were not actively training when they reported symptoms and were transported to receive emergency care.
The cause of the candidate’s death is currently unknown and is under investigation.
The deceased Sailor’s immediate family has been notified.
The Navy confirmed that Seaman Kyle Mullen, 24, of Manalapan, New Jersey, a SEAL candidate assigned to Naval Special Warfare Basic Training Command, died at Sharp Coronado Hospital at 5:42 pm in Coronado, California, on Feb. 4.
Earlier in the day, Mullen and his Basic Underwater Demolition SEAL (BUD/S) class successfully completed Hell Week, an assessment event during the first phase of the Navy SEAL attribute assessment and selection pathway.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to Seaman Mullen’s family for their loss,” said Rear Adm. H.W. Howard III, commander, Naval Special Warfare Command. “We are extending every form of support we can to the Mullen family and Kyle’s BUD/S classmates.”
Mullen was not actively training at the time of his death. The cause of his death is currently unknown and an investigation is underway.
Media queries can be directed to Naval Special Warfare Command’s media officer at kara.l.handley.mil@socom.mil.