Navy Dismisses the Case Against Captain Geary in Death of SEAL Candidate

In the relentless crucible of Navy SEAL training, where courage and human fragility collide, the tragic death of Seaman Kyle Mullen cast a long shadow over the elite force’s rigorous selection process. Mullen, a 24-year-old former Yale football captain, succumbed to acute pneumonia on February 4, 2022, mere hours after enduring the grueling “Hell Week” of Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training.

Captain Brad Geary Under the Spotlight

At the helm during this fateful period was Captain Brad Geary, commanding officer of the Naval Special Warfare Center’s Basic Training Command. In the aftermath of Mullen‘s death, Geary found himself ensnared in a web of investigations, accusations, and public scrutiny. The Navy initiated a series of investigations to determine accountability, with Geary facing the prospect of a Board of Inquiry—a quasi-judicial proceeding that could have ended his distinguished career.

A Complex Web of Contributing Factors

Kyle Mullen, a 24-year-old Navy SEAL candidate, tragically died on February 4, 2022, just hours after completing the notoriously intense “Hell Week” training. His death was officially attributed to acute bacterial pneumonia caused by Streptococcus pyogenes. However, the discovery of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) in his car sparked controversy and raised questions about their possible role in his death.

In addition to acute pneumonia, Mullen was also found to have an enlarged heart(cardiomegaly), and this was identified as a contributing factor to his death.

Following an investigation, the Navy concluded that Mullen’s death occurred in the line of duty and was not the result of his own misconduct. Although performance-enhancing drugs were found among his belongings after his death, the Navy stated that these substances did not contribute to his passing.

Text messages on his phone discussed using PEDs and mentioned issues with a “bad vial,” but the Navy’s autopsy did not test for these substances. Mullen’s mother admitted he had felt pressure to use PEDs but doesn’t believe they contributed to his death, while Captain Brad Geary argued they may have played a part. In response, the Navy has introduced better medical monitoring and addressed PED use during training, though no definitive link between PEDs and Mullen’s death has been established. The case has reignited debate about the extreme demands of SEAL training and the pressures placed on candidates.

Geary’s Defense and Criticism of Navy Reports

Captain Brad Geary staunchly defended the rigorous practices of BUD/S, emphasizing their critical role in shaping effective warfighters. He argued that while the process is undeniably brutal, it is meticulously designed to prepare candidates for the extreme demands of the battlefield. Geary highlighted that the SEALs have perfected a method that redefines what it means to be a warfighter, with a proven track record of success. Acknowledging that mistakes have occurred, he stated, “We’re not perfect,” but stressed that the intensity of the training is essential for building the skills, resilience, and mental toughness required for SEAL operations.

Geary, steadfast in his defense, criticized the Navy’s investigative reports, asserting they were marred by bias and inaccuracies.

In a candid interview with fellow SEAL Shawn Ryan, Geary stated, “That entire report mischaracterizes, misrepresents, and misquotes our organization and Naval Special Warfare.”

Mullen’s Mother Weighs In

Regina Mullen, the mother of Kyle Mullen, voiced deep disappointment and frustration with the Navy’s decision to dismiss the cases against Captain Geary and Commander Erik Ramey. She described the decision as “devastating,” “disgusting,” and “very upsetting.” Regina was particularly concerned that the dismissal of the Board of Inquiry would prevent important details about the circumstances of her son’s death from becoming public.

As a registered nurse, she firmly believes that Kyle’s death was preventable and resulted from failures in medical care rather than the use of performance-enhancing drugs. She also expressed dissatisfaction with the Navy’s lack of transparency, stating they had not explained why the cases were dismissed.

Regina had hoped for some level of accountability, such as a reduction in rank or retirement for Geary. Her response highlights her ongoing struggle for answers and accountability following her son’s tragic death during SEAL training.

The Final Verdict: Case Dismissed

The Navy decided to dismiss the case against Captain Geary, canceling the scheduled Board of Inquiry that was set to review his actions. This decision, which also included the dismissal of the case against Commander Erik Ramey, was announced on December 13, 2024, in a letter signed by Vice Admiral Rick Cheeseman.

Ramey was the senior medical officer at the Naval Special Warfare Center during Kyle Mullen’s training class.

The Navy did not provide specific reasons for dropping the cases, citing privacy and due process considerations. Geary’s attorney, Timothy Parlatore, described the outcome as “bittersweet,” noting that while it was a relief to move forward, there were no real winners in the situation. However, the dismissal does not mean Geary was declared innocent or absolved of all wrongdoing; it simply means the administrative proceedings will not continue. The decision has sparked controversy, with Kyle Mullen’s mother expressing disappointment, fearing that important details about her son’s death may never come to light.

Lessons Learned and Moving Forward

Kyle Mullen’s tragic death during Navy SEAL training prompted the Navy to implement several changes aimed at improving safety and medical care for candidates. To address gaps in medical oversight, the Navy introduced more thorough medical screenings, including cardiac evaluations and 24-hour medical monitoring after intense events like Hell Week.

Improved communication between medical providers was prioritized, along with better sharing of information and coordination of medical command. The Navy also began performance-enhancing drug (PED) testing for SEAL candidates through urine tests to ensure they are medically safe to train.

Enhanced risk management practices were adopted to reduce injuries and illnesses during high-risk training events. The investigation into Mullen’s death recommended accountability actions for approximately ten individuals involved in the training and medical care of candidates.

Additionally, Naval Special Warfare Command updated training policies and standard operating procedures, increased instructor oversight, and emphasized cultural changes to address concerns about medical attrition rates and promote continuous self-assessment within the training program. Finally, emergency response protocols were strengthened, including better CPR training for watchstanders. These changes reflect a commitment to maintaining the rigor of SEAL training while prioritizing the health and safety of candidates.