OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
Kyle Van de Water, who was running for Congress as a Republican in New York a few months ago, has tragically been found dead.
Authorities reportedly found Van de Water dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound in the Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery.
Police are now calling the death a “suicide”.
Van de Water ran for Congress as a Republican in New York against Democratic incumbent Antonio Delgado, and announced in July he was planning to run again.
However, just a few days ago, Van de Water pulled out of his plans, saying that he could no longer focus on running.
“Circumstances in my life have changed and I am no longer able to give 110% towards this endeavor,” he wrote in a series of tweets.
I have been truly humbled by and will be forever grateful for all of the support I have received these past few years. It has been an honor getting to meet so many of you as I traveled across the district.
— Kyle Van De Water (@Kyle4Congress) August 27, 2021
For the good of the party, and the district, I have decided to withdraw my candidacy. I look forward to vigorously and enthusiastically supporting the GOP candidate in 2022.
— Kyle Van De Water (@Kyle4Congress) August 27, 2021
“He was a war hero who put his life and well-being on the line for his country,” Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro said of Van De Water. “We owe him, his family, and all of our brave servicemen and women everything for the sacrifices they have made.”
Delgado shared a statement Tuesday saying, “My heart breaks for Kyle, and his beautiful family. We shared a number of conversations about family and country, and I walked away from each one knowing that he had a profound love for both.”
“Kyle’s death is tragically felt not only on an individual level, but also nationally, as far too many veterans across our country are going without the support and care that their service to our great land undoubtedly necessitates,” Delgado said.
“We can and must do better. May God rest Kyle’s soul. And may God bless his family,” he added.
May God rest Kyle’s soul. And may God bless his family. pic.twitter.com/5brIW5cesM
— Congressman Antonio Delgado (@repdelgado) September 7, 2021
Republican Tina Forte, who is running against New York Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in the 2022 midterm election, tweeted about Van De Water.
“My prayers go out to the family of Afghanistan war veteran & former NY congressional candidate,
Kyle Van De Water. There are far too many veterans who feel helpless & alone & don’t receive the mental care they require after serving our country. Flag of United States Broken heart,” Forte wrote.
My prayers go out to the family of Afghanistan war veteran & former NY congressional candidate,
Kyle Van De Water. There are far too many veterans who feel helpless & alone & don’t receive the mental care they require after serving our country. 🇺🇸 💔— Tina Forte for Congress (NY-14) (@Tina4congress) September 8, 2021
The official Twitter account for the New York GOP also spoke highly of Kyle Van De Water.
“We are deeply saddened to learn of Kyle’s untimely passing. He was an American hero and soldier whose selfless service in the Army will never be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” the account tweeted.
We are deeply saddened to learn of Kyle's untimely passing. He was an American hero and soldier whose selfless service in the Army will never be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.https://t.co/CGCfjSAyas
— New York GOP (@NewYorkGOP) September 8, 2021
