Family Of Fallen NJ Navy SEAL Candidate: 'We Could Not Be Prouder'

MANALPAN, NJ — The family of Kyle Mullen, the 24-year-old who grew up in Manalapan and died Feb. 4 during Hell Week while attempting to become a U.S. Navy SEAL, has released the following statement.

The U.S. Navy also said Monday they still do not have a cause of death.

The following is a statement from Mullen's brother:

Kyle will be remembered for the countless ways in which he brought joy to family, friends, and all those who encountered him throughout his life. Over the past few days, we have been awestruck at the outpouring of love and support that we have received. It is said in the Christmas classic "It’s a Wonderful Life" that “no man is a failure who has friends.” If that is true, then Kyle is one of the most successful people to have ever walked this Earth.

Kyle has a seemingly endless impact on this 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.

While we are devastated at Kyle’s loss, we could not be more proud. Kyle dreamed of serving others and enlisted in the Navy with the hopes of joining the best of the best – the Navy SEALs. He would not settle for anything less. 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.

Kyle did not believe in defeat or giving up. As his mother, Regina, always said, it’s just “mind over matter, and if you don’t mind, it don’t matter.” He took on any challenge, overcame every obstacle, and encouraged others to do the same.

Last month, when asked by his brother, TJ, to recommend the best book he could suggest, Kyle recommended "Man’s Search for Meaning" by Viktor Frankl. "Man’s Search for Meaning" relays the message that even in the face of utmost despair and suffering, man can find meaning in life to pull through hardship and grief and to find a higher purpose. While we are suffering now, Kyle would want us all to come together and not only survive but thrive and live life to the fullest.

Kyle’s spirit lit up the world with joy, compassion, courage, and strength. The cruelty of death cannot extinguish let alone dim the light that Kyle’s life has brought into this world. He will continue to inspire and motivate us always.

During this time we ask for privacy to mourn the loss of our son and brother. Memorial details will be shared as they are finalized. This will be our only statement at this time.

If you wish to provide support at this time please email any stories, pictures or videos of Kyle to rememberingkylemullen@gmail.com. Feel free to make a donation to the Navy SEAL Foundation in Kyle’s honor at https://www.navysealfoundation.org, which helps support SEALs and their families; or donate to the GiveButter campaign at https://givebutter.com/kylemul... where all funds received will be used on a celebration of life for Kyle with excess funds being used to support any future memorials, scholarships or programs that we plan to set up so that Kyle will continue to have a positive impact in the years to come.

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