Sudden Death of Retired Major General William Mullen Linked to Natural Cause, Autopsy Reveals

Last June, the military community mourned the sudden and tragic loss of Retired Major General William F. Mullen III, a well-respected leader who dedicated 34 years of his life to serving the US Marine Corps.

Mullen, as reported, was found deceased at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms in California, where he had been staying for a temporary visit.

An autopsy report later revealed that his death was due to natural causes, shedding light on the final moments of a man who had given so much to his country.

A Recap On His Sudden Death

The circumstances surrounding Mullen’s death began on the morning of June 29th, when staff at the Roadrunner Inn, a lodging facility on the base, noticed that he had not checked out as scheduled.

Concerned, they attempted to reach him and, when there was no response, pried open the door to his room. Inside, they found the Marine veteran unresponsive.

Paramedics were called to the scene and confirmed his death at 1:39 PM. Due to the nature of his condition, no resuscitation efforts were made, according to reports.

Mullen was 59.

Autopsy Findings

An autopsy conducted by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department coroner provided the definitive cause of Maj. Gen. Mullen’s death: a pulmonary embolism.

The report detailed how a blood clot, known medically as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), had formed in Mullen’s left leg. This clot eventually dislodged and traveled to his lungs, where it blocked both the left and right sides of his pulmonary arteries, leading to a fatal embolism.

In the months leading up to his death, Mullen had experienced some health issues, including lung problems and a persistent cough.

Although he had consulted a doctor and was prescribed an inhaler, he was otherwise considered healthy, with no diagnosed medical conditions that would have predicted such an outcome.

The autopsy noted that while Mullen’s family had a history of heart problems, the exact cause of the blood clot remained unknown. Genetic predispositions to clotting were suggested as a possible factor.

Despite the clear findings of the autopsy, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) has continued to investigate Mullen’s death, according to reports.

As of now, the investigation remains open, with no specific timeline for its completion.

NCIS has been careful not to comment on the specifics of the case or the autopsy findings, emphasizing that each death investigation is unique and can take several months, if not longer, to conclude.

Mullen’s family, who are maintaining their privacy during this difficult time, has also declined to comment on the ongoing investigation.

Mullen’s Three-Decade Career and Legacy

Maj. Gen. William Mullen’s death marks the sad end of a distinguished military career.

An artillery officer by training, Mullen served multiple deployments to Iraq, where he earned respect for his leadership and tactical acumen.

In 2016, he took command of the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center at Twentynine Palms, a position that underscored his importance within the Marine Corps. His final assignment before retiring in 2020 was as the commanding general of the Marine Corps Training and Education Command, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of Marines.

Mullen’s dedication to his country and the Marine Corps did not go unnoticed. Maj. Gen. Thomas Savage, head of the Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command, paid tribute to Mullen’s legacy.

“Maj. Gen. Mullen’s dedicated service to our nation and the Marine Corps will always be remembered,” Savage told Military.com last month following the news of Mullen’s death.

The retired Marine’s peers and subordinates alike have expressed their deep respect for his leadership, his commitment to excellence, and his unwavering service.

Final Thoughts

While his passing is deeply felt, Maj. Gen. Mullen’s legacy of service and leadership will continue to inspire those who follow him. As the investigation into his death continues (and may soon be concluded with the release of the autopsy results), the military community is taking time to honor and remember a man who dedicated his life to the Marine Corps and protecting the country.

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