Mike Day, a former Navy SEAL who survived being shot 27 times in Iraq, died by suicide on March 27, 2023. He was 48 years old and had been suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI) for years. His death shocked and saddened many people who admired his courage and resilience.
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Who was Mike Day?
Mike Day was born on May 24, 1975, in Honolulu, Hawaii, and grew up in Auburn, Washington. He joined the Navy in 1996 and became a member of the SEALs in 2002. He served 21 years in the Navy and participated in more than 140 direct action missions in Iraq and other conflict zones. He was awarded the Navy Cross, two Bronze Stars, and the Purple Heart for his valor and sacrifice.
How did Mike Day survive being shot 27 times?
One of the most remarkable incidents in Mike Day’s military career happened on April 6, 2007, when he led his SEAL platoon on a raid against an al Qaeda cell in Fallujah, Iraq. As he entered a room where four enemy fighters were hiding, he was immediately hit by multiple bullets that knocked his rifle out of his hands. He fell to the ground and switched to his pistol, killing two of the insurgents before a grenade exploded near him, wounding him with shrapnel. He briefly lost consciousness, but when he woke up, he continued to shoot the remaining two terrorists with his pistol, even as they fired back at him from close range with AK-47s.
By the time he finished clearing the room, Mike Day had sustained 27 gunshot wounds to his abdomen, arms, legs, groin, buttocks, and scrotum. Another 11 bullets had been stopped by his body armor. He also had shrapnel injuries from the grenade blast. Amazingly, he was still alive and able to walk to the medevac helicopter without assistance. He later said that his second thought after being shot was “God get me home to my girls” (according to Task & Purpose).
Mike Day retired from the Navy in 2010 as a senior chief petty officer. He wrote a memoir titled “Perfectly Wounded” that chronicled his life story and his recovery from his physical and mental wounds. He also became a motivational speaker, a health advocate, and a brand advocate with a Virginia-based organization called DayLight LLC. He was married and had four children.
However, Mike Day also struggled with PTSD and TBI that affected his memory, mood, sleep, and cognition. He suffered from nightmares, flashbacks, anxiety, depression, anger, and suicidal thoughts. He tried various treatments and therapies to cope with his condition, but none of them worked for him. He said that he felt like he was living in a “fog” (according to Fox News).
How did Mike Day die by suicide?
On March 27, 2023, Mike Day took his own life at his home in Virginia Beach. His family and friends were devastated by his death and expressed their grief and condolences on social media. They also urged people to support veterans who are suffering from PTSD and TBI and to raise awareness about the mental health challenges they face.
Mike Day’s death was a tragic reminder of the high rate of suicide among veterans in the United States. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), an average of 17 veterans die by suicide every day (according to VA). Many of them have experienced trauma during their service and have difficulty adjusting to civilian life. They may also face stigma, isolation, lack of access to care, or other barriers that prevent them from seeking help.
How can we honor Mike Day’s legacy?
Mike Day was a Navy SEAL hero who survived being shot 27 times in Iraq and lived to tell his story. He inspired many people with his courage and resilience. He also raised awareness about the challenges that veterans face after their service and advocated for their well-being.
We can honor Mike Day’s legacy by remembering his sacrifice and service for our country. We can also support veterans who are struggling with PTSD and TBI by listening to them, offering them help, or connecting them with resources. We can also donate to organizations that provide assistance to veterans and their families.
Mike Day cause of death was a tragic loss for our nation and our community. We hope that he rests in peace and that his family finds comfort and healing. We thank him for his service and we salute him for his bravery.
