Navy SEAL ‘brought joy’ to everyone, family says
The family of Kyle Mullen, a former Yale football captain who died Feb. 4 shortly after completing the first phase of Navy SEAL training, said they were moved by the outpouring of support for a man they said “brought joy to family, friends and those who encountered him throughout his life.”
In a statement released this weekend, the family said they couldn’t believe the outpouring of love and support that they have received.
“Everywhere we turn is another friend or neighbor who has a story about how Kyle touched or inspired their lives,” Mullen’s family said.
The family said that although they are devastated by the loss, they are still very proud, as it was a dream of Mullen’s to become a Navy SEAL.
“He took on every challenge, and failure was not an option as he strived toward reaching his goal of passing Hell Week and receiving his brown shirt,” the family said.
“Hell Week” comes in the third or fourth week of SEAL training. It is a grueling test of physical and psychological strength, water competency and leadership skills that, according to navyseals.com, only about 25 percent of candidates make through.
Just hours after completing “Hell Week,” Mullen, 24, died at a San Diego area hospital. The cause of death is still unknown and under investigation. Mullen and another Navy sailor became ill shortly after completing the rigorous training. The other sailor eventually recovered and was released from the hospital.
His family said that he will continue to inspire and motivate them even after death.
“The cruelty of death
cannot extinguish let alone dim the light that Kyle’s life has brought into this world,” the family said.
After graduating from a New Jersey high school, he went on to captain the Yale University football team where he played defensive end and was a second-team All-Ivy League selection in 2017. He eventually left Yale to play for Monmouth University and was on that school’s 2019 championship team.
Mullen joined the Navy in March 2021, and reported to SEAL training in July.
Memorial details for Mullen will be announced by the family at a later date.
Anyone who wishes can make a donation to the Navy SEAL Foundation in Mullen’s honor at https:// www.navysealfoundation.org/, which helps support SEALs and their families; or donate to the GiveButter campaign at https://givebutter.com/ kylemullen.