Washington – An aspiring U.S. Navy SEAL command died and another is hospitalized due to health problems reported once they completed the grueling test known as “Hell Week,” which concludes the first phase of evaluation and selection of elements for that special operations naval force.
According to the Navy, both were immediately taken to a hospital in California. Neither had suffered any accidents or unusual incidents during the five-and-a-half-day Hell Week, he added.
The test is part of the SEALs‘ BUD/S class, which involves basic underwater demolition, survival and other combat tactics. It takes place in the fourth week that SEAL command candidates are evaluated and expected to be selected to train within the Special Naval Warfare Basic Training Command.
One of the hopefuls died Friday at Sharp Coronado Hospital in Coronado, California. The other was in stable condition at naval medical center in San Diego.The Navy said it did not know the cause of death, which remains under investigation. The sailor’s name has not yet been revealed, to wait until the 24 hours after his death was notified to his family, according to Navy policy.
The SEAL program tests physical and psychological strength as well as fitness to maneuver in the water and leadership skills. The program is so strenuous that at least 50% to 60% fail to pass Hell Week, when aspirants are pushed to the limit. The previous SEAL candidate who lost his life during the assessment stage was Marine James Derek Lovelace, 21, in 2016. Derek had a hard time staying afloat with the full team in a giant pond when his instructor submerged him at least twice. He lost consciousness and died.
