Navy Seal candidate dies, another hospitalized after 'Hell Week' training in California

Coronado, Calif., (Jan. 23, 2018) Responding to President John F. Kennedy's desire for the services to develop an unconventional warfare capability, the U.S. Navy established SEAL Teams One and Two in January of 1962. U.S. Navy SEAL candidates participate in Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training. SEALs are the maritime component of U.S. Special Forces and are trained to conduct a variety of operations from the sea, air and land.(U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Abe McNatt)

U.S. Navy SEAL candidates participate in Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training. SEALs are the maritime component of U.S. Special Forces and are trained to conduct a variety of operations from the sea, air and land.(U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Abe McNatt)

Don Sweeney

The Charlotte Observer

A U.S. Navy SEAL candidate who fell ill after completing “Hell Week” training at a California base has died, military officials reported.

A second SEAL candidate has been hospitalized in stable condition, the U.S. Navy said in a news release. Both fell ill Friday, Feb. 4, hours after their Basic Underwater Demolition SEAL class successfully completed the rigorous “Hell Week” phase of their training, in San Diego.

The sailors were not “actively training” at the time, the Navy said. An investigation into the death continues, with no cause yet determined. The candidate’s name has not been released.

“Hell Week” caps the first phase of Navy SEAL training and consists of five days in which candidates are “constantly cold, hungry, sleep-deprived and wet,” CNN reported.

The fourth week of training is known as Hell Week. In this grueling five-and-a-half day stretch, each candidate sleeps only about four total hours but runs more than 200 miles and does physical training for more than 20 hours per day. Successful completion of Hell Week truly defines those candidates who have the commitment and dedication required of a SEAL. Hell Week is the ultimate test of a persons will and the class’ teamwork. U.S. Navy SEAL candidates participate in Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training. SEALs are the maritime component of U.S. Special Forces and are trained to conduct a variety of operations from the sea, air and land.(U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Abe McNatt)

“SEAL training takes you beyond your personal limits,” retired SEAL Eric Oehlerich told ABC News. “It’s designed to push you beyond your perception of what’s possible, breaking glass ceilings of what you’re capable of both mentally and physically.”

Seaman James “Derek” Lovelace died in 2016 during SEAL training in San Diego, NBC News reported.

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