Mullen won a conference championship with Monmouth University in 2019
The New Jersey family of Kyle Mullen, the Navy SEAL trainee who died after completing the grueling, 20-hour-a-day 'Hell Week' training course, said that they were 'devastated' by his loss, but 'proud' of his commitment to the US armed forces and completion of the notorious exercise.
Mullen, 24, a college football star from Manalapan, NJ, successfully finished the brutal endurance program, but died in California on February 4 of still unknown causes.
The family did not go into the investigation into his cause of death, but said that they were overwhelmed by the outpouring of grief over his loss and love for their son by his friends.
They said: 'While we are devastated by Kyle's loss, we could not be more proud...'
'Over the past few days, we have been awestruck at the outpouring of love and support that we have received,' the family posted on Facebook.
'Kyle has a seemingly endless impact on the world, touching the lives of many. Everywhere we turn is another friend or neighbor who has a story about how Kyle touched or inspired their lives. From cutting shapes on the dance floor, to assisting the elderly or disabled at All in a Day Adult Medical Day Care, to leading teammates to victory at Manalapan High School, Yale University and Monmouth University. Kyle put his whole heart into everything he did.'
Mullen was aspiring to become a Basic Underwater Demolition SEAL team member, but was not actively training at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, near San Diego California when he died.
'Kyle dreamed of serving others and enlisted in the Navy with the hopes of joining the best of the best – the Navy SEALs,' the family said. 'He would not settle for anything less.
They said that he would have no regrets about his decision to join the SEALS.
'Kyle was exactly where he wanted to be in life when he was with his fellow seamen/warriors/classmates at Coronado. 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.'
Mullen and another trainee complained of experiencing symptoms of an unknown injury.
The Yale and Monmouth University football standout was taken to Sharp Coronado Hospital after falling ill following the training. His cause of death is still unknown, but is under investigation by the Navy.
Mullen, seen on field after a football game with his mother, Regina (right)
Mullen played football at Yale University before transferring to Monmouth University in New Jersey
