A Navy SEAL candidate died of acute pneumonia with cardiomegaly as a contributing factor shortly after completing what is known as “Hell Week” during the special operation forces basic training program.
Kyle Mullen, 24, died on Feb. 4 after completing “Hell Week,” during Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training. Investigators from the Naval Special War Command found that his death “was in the line of duty” and “not due to his own misconduct,” they said in a statement released on Wednesday.
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“Our deepest sympathy extends to Seaman Mullen’s family and friends during this difficult time,” said Keith Davids, commander of Naval Special Warfare Command.
Three officers have been reprimanded in connection with Mullen’s death.
“Administrative actions have been taken regarding the former Commanding Officer of Basic Training Command, Capt. Bradley Geary, the commander of Naval Special Warfare Center, Capt. Brian Drechsler, and senior medical staff under their command,” a Naval Special Warfare spokesperson told the Washington Examiner. “Those actions will be reviewed during the Naval Education and Training Command investigation.”
The investigation has also resulted in changes to the program including the institution of a cardiac screening program, increased prevention measures for pneumonia, “the extension of the observation period for 24 hours post securing both BUD/S Phase 1 Assessment and Selection crucible events, and ‘medically safe-to-train’ performance-enhancing drugs (‘PED’) testing through urine tests.”
Hell Week exposes candidates to extreme stress to simulate similar combat situations, including long periods of swimming in cold water and sleep deprivation, and is one of the toughest parts of becoming a Navy SEAL. Only about a sixth of students who enter the BUD/S training every year complete it, according to NBC News.
Mullen, whose first attempt to finish the BUD/S course ended after he got heatstroke, experienced respiratory issues during this attempt. He had fluid in his lungs, was coughing and had difficulty breathing, gained more than 20 points from swelling and fluid retention, and had to return to the barracks in a wheelchair after completing the program, according to the outlet. Witnesses said they saw him cough up red-tinged fluids and was gasping for air hours before paramedics found him unresponsive.
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Mullen’s symptoms are common among trainees who completed BUD/S, which is why his symptoms did not immediately raise alarm bells. Following Hell Week, trainees are informed that “swelling of your extremities is typical” and that it can last for multiple days.
There were at least six other trainees who needed to go to a Navy hospital over a four-day period following Hell Week, according to the investigation.
