One Navy SEAL candidate died and another was hospitalized several hours after their basic underwater demolition class completed “Hell Week,” military officials said Saturday.
One candidate died at Sharp Coronado Hospital on Friday and the other candidate was in stable condition at Naval Medical Center San Diego on Saturday.
Both candidates were assigned to Naval Special Warfare Basic Training Command.
Hell Week is part of the first phase of the Navy SEAL assessment and selection pathway.
The sailors were not actively training when they reported symptoms and were taken to hospitals to receive emergency care, Navy officials said.
The cause of the candidate’s death was not immediately known and was under investigation.
The deceased sailor’s immediate family was notified and his name was being withheld until 24 hours after next-of-kin were notified in accordance with Navy policy.
Rep. Scott Peters, whose district includes Coronado, issued a statement of sympathy on Saturday and urged the Navy to find out how the deaths occurred.
“My prayers are with the family and loved ones of the deceased during this very difficult time, and I wish for a full recovery of the other candidate reported injured,” Peters said. “These courageous, talented sailors were on their way to becoming some of our country’s most elite military personnel.”
“We must find out what transpired so we can do whatever we can to keep others safe. In the days and weeks ahead, I look forward to learning more as the Navy conducts a thorough investigation.”
–City News Service, Inc.
