Navy SEAL candidate dies after ‘Hell Week’ training at California base, officials say

A U.S. Navy SEAL candidate who fell ill after completing “Hell Week” training at a California base has died, military officials reported.

A second SEAL candidate has been hospitalized in stable condition, the U.S. Navy said in a news release. Both fell ill Friday, Feb. 4, hours after their Basic Underwater Demolition SEAL class successfully completed the rigorous “Hell Week” phase of their training, in San Diego.

The sailors were not “actively training” at the time, the Navy said. An investigation into the death continues, with no cause yet determined.

On Sunday, Feb. 6, the Navy identified the deceased candidate as Seaman Kyle Mullen, 24, of Manalapan, New Jersey.

“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, in a statement. “We are extending every form of support we can to the Mullen family and Kyle’s BUD/S classmates.”

“Hell Week” caps the first phase of Navy SEAL training and consists of five days in which candidates are “constantly cold, hungry, sleep-deprived and wet,” CNN reported.

“SEAL training takes you beyond your personal limits,” retired SEAL Eric Oehlerich told ABC News. “It’s designed to push you beyond your perception of what’s possible, breaking glass ceilings of what you’re capable of both mentally and physically.”

Seaman James “Derek” Lovelace died in 2016 during SEAL training in San Diego, NBC News reported.

This story was originally published February 6, 2022 at 8:57 AM with the headline "Navy SEAL candidate dies after ‘Hell Week’ training at California base, officials say."