MILLBROOK –– Kyle Van De Water, who challenged incumbent Democrat U.S. Congressman Antonio Delgado (NY-19) last November, has died unexpectedly at the age 41.

Van De Water spent eight years on active duty with the U.S. Army.

Van De Water, who grew up in Poughkeepsie, followed in the footsteps of his father, who served in the Army and his grandfather, who served in World War II. He got an ROTC scholarship to help pay his way through the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He was later accepted into Albany Law School, at which time, he served in the Reserves.

After passing the Bar Exam, he was activated by the United States Army as a Judge Advocate General Officer. Van De Water received the Meritorious Service Medal and his honorable discharge from the Army in 2014.

Van De Water continued to serve in the U.S. Army Reserves JAG Corps, holding the rank of Major, and worked as a Litigation Attorney at Corbally, Gartland & Rappleyea, LLP in Poughkeepsie.

He and his wife Melissa, resided in Millbrook, where he served as a village trustee in 2017 and 2018. They have four children.

In July he announced his intentions to run for Congress again in 2022. Van De Water, however, dropped out of the race in August.

“I have been truly humbled by and will be forever grateful for all of the support I have received these past few years,” said Van De Water in a statement on social media. “It has been an honor getting to meet so many of you as I traveled across the district.

“Unfortunately, circumstances in my life have changed and I am no longer able to give 110 percent towards this endeavor,” he continued. “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.”
According to a Mid Hudson News article on Wednesday, “police sources” say that Van De Water’s death, “is being investigated as a likely suicide.”

Local reaction
Congressman Delgado released a statement on Van De Water’s passing 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.

“I know he will be immensely missed, and I’m praying for all who loved him – his friends, fellow soldiers, and family,” Delgado added. “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. We can and must do better. May God rest Kyle’s soul. And may God bless his family.”

NYS Senator Mike Martucci in a statement on social media said, “I got to know Kyle on the campaign trail last year. He was a good man, a sincere patriot and a distinguished veteran. My heart goes out to his wife and family during this difficult time.”

The Sullivan County Republican Committee endorsed Van De Water in 2020.

“I found him to be a great person who served his country admirably,” SC Republican Committee Chairman and Town of Cochecton Supervisor Gary Maas told the Democrat. “I liked his enthusiasm and think he wanted to serve his country as a congressman to make it a better place. It’s a sad thing and my heart goes out to his family.”