Funeral info for Kyle Mullen, Navy SEAL candidate from Manalapan

MANALAPAN — Fallen Navy SEAL candidate Kyle Mullen was welcomed home late Tuesday night with an impromptu flag-waving procession.

Video on the Remembering Kyle Mullen Facebook page showed a long line of police vehicles escorting the hearse carrying the body of Mullen, a 24-year-old sailor from Manalapan who died Feb. 4 after “Hell Week” training in San Diego.

Firefighters from Morganville parked a fire truck at the funeral home with its ladder up and an American flag hanging from the top.

Flag hung from a Morganville Fire Department ladder as Kyle Mullen's hearse arrived at Freeman Funeral Home (Remembering Kyle Mullen)

He and another trainee experienced symptoms of an unknown illness. The Navy's investigation into his death is ongoing.

Mullen's body arrived at Newark Liberty International Aiport and was taken to Freeman Funeral Home. Among those standing quietly waving flags in the dampness of the evening along Route 9 and Gordons Corner Road were Gov. Phil Murphy and Manalapan Mayor Susan Cohen. former Mayor Jack McNaboe and committeman Eric Nelson.

Cohen said family and friends of Mullen were also standing along the route.

"Over the past few days, we have been awestruck at the outpouring of love and support that we have received," his family wrote in his obituary. "Everywhere we turn is another friend or neighbor who has a story about how Kyle touched or inspired their lives."

Photos of Kyle Mullen shared by Remembering Kyle Mullen page on Facebook.

Mullen was exactly where he wanted to be in life at the time of his death.

"He took on every challenge, and failure was not an option as he strived toward reaching his goal of passing Hell Week and receiving his brown shirt," his family wrote.

Kyle Mullen (Monmouth University file/Townsquare Media NJ photo illustration)

A memorial service in the future

Visitation for Mullen is scheduled for Thursday at the Freeman Manalapan Marlboro Funeral Home on Route 9 from 3 to 7 p.m. His funeral is Friday at 10 a.m. at St. Thomas More Church on Gordon's Corner Road in Manalapan.

A larger memorial service will be held at a later date, according to his family.

Donations can be made to the Navy SEAL Foundation or the Kyle Mullen Memorial Fund at GiveButter.com. The fund is to help his family settle his affairs and with his funeral arrangements. Any excess funds will be put towards charities supported by Mullen, scholarships and any future nonprofit ventures that may be created in his name.

Candles and flags line the route for Kyle Mullen's hearse (Remembering Kyle Mullen)

Kyle Mullen as a member of the Manalapan High School football team (Bill Normile)

Dan Alexander is a reporter for New Jersey 101.5. You can reach him at dan.alexander@townsquaremedia.com

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