Retired Navy SEAL reacts to ‘Hell Week’ training death

Capt. John Havlik, a retired Navy SEAL, gives his take on the death of Kyle Mullen, a trainee who died after completing the force’s “Hell Week.”

[Thanatos]

One thing that can be said is that he was obviously the type of warrior the seals are looking for. He obviously had no quit inside him. R.I.P. and prayers for his family

[NickMcRyan]

Considering he died before he quit, I think they should posthumously give him a trident. As he showed he has the character they’re looking for.

[LK-bzsk]

Soft spoken SEAL. Clearly from a time when the term quiet professionals applied.

[NhemLee]

As a child of immigrant parents that escaped a genocide to the U.S., thank you for your service, Kyle. I am always grateful for amazing human beings like you that give your lives for our country so we don't have to suffer. Rest easy in heaven, my friend.

[juliebell]

as a parent my heart goes out to his mother and father. :(

[lafarruspennington]

In my opinion he is already a seal ...r.i.p American hero..

[eternity]

respect is not given it’s earned and Kyle Mullen has my utmost respect and all the other Seals, rip Kyle you were a true sailor my deepest condolences go to your family

[patwatson]

My neighbor is a retired seal he said it takes a person who has no limits isn't scared of dying but will Fight like hell to live

[yinlu]

Can we just appreciate that these guys are willing to go through this harsh training? They knew that it was going to be very tough, and god knows what sort of complications would have occured, but it's necessary since they'll be in these harsh conditions when out in combat eventually.

[treywarren]

From a Navy Vet that had the opportunity to work with a Seal team in a training exercise i say thank you. Thank you for all the sacrifices that you have made. Thank you to the sailor's that strive to be the best and succeed but also to the Sailor's that at least tried, that in it's self says a lot about who you are regardless of if you rang the bell...thank you!

My thoughts and prayers go out to both families. I know that it is difficult now but your son's and or brother's did not die or get hospitalized in vain, they made the ultimate sacrifice and heaven is a lot safer.

One last thing and I realize the this may be nit picky and I do not believe that she was being disrespectful but no matter how well you know someone and you are doing an interview that will be seen worldwide, please show your guest(s) the respect that they deserve and use their well earned title. It's the little things in life.

Thank you

[usul]

I wonder if it was an accident or a mistake. Each and every Navy seal has an incredible amount of training, time and resources devoted to them so they would never want to lose someone in training.

[EmilyKnight]

So sad. My brother did hell week. I still think about the phone poles. Good lord.

[metalliequus]

Rest In Peace to our fellow New Jersey native ! God bless his soul. God bless the United States of America !

[NThabethe]

Deepest condolences to the family and maximum respect to Kyle.

[tedporciuncula]

that's what makes a SEAL, their training has to be tough because war is intense. And typically, they are the first ones in...

[madeinthegetto]

Imagine willing to die and then ending up homeless

[frostreaper]

They wake you up Sunday and you don’t sleep till Friday!

[missyjohnson]

We too often take our freedom for granted and forget the sacrifices that our military personnel and their families make to ensure that we can peacefully lay our heads down each night. This young man should not be considered a SEAL candidate…he should absolutely be branded a legitimate SEAL; he gave everything for his country. My heart goes out to his family.

[pamelamills]

Despite the tragic ending of this young man most likely due to his grueling training, I still have a deep admiration for these warriors. They inspire me to be strong mentally and physically. They inspire me to never give up no matter what life throws at you. May his soul RIP. 🙏❤️

[aaronl]

It’s very sad… but I know this man wouldn’t want us to be sadden rather us honor him for knowing that he was willing to die just to become a SEAL and protect this country… rest in paradise young warrior 🖤 you get to wear gods armor now