Former Political Candidate Kyle Van De Water Found Dead

MILLBROOK, NY — Kyle Van De Water, who had been planning a rematch against Rep. Antonio Delgado for Congress next year, was found dead in Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery Tuesday.

Authorities said Van De Water's death was being investigated as a suicide, MidHudson News reported.

The 41-year-old litigation attorney served as a trustee for the village of Millbrook. He had a wife and four children.

Van De Water challenged incumbent Delgado in the 2020 race to represent Congressional District 19.

In July, the Afghanistan war veteran said he would be running again for the congressional seat in 2022.

In a Facebook post on Aug. 27, Van De Water dropped out of the race, sayings that, while he was grateful for all the support he's received over the past few years, "circumstances in my life have changed and I am no longer able to give 110% towards this endeavor."

Delagado issued a statement that said his heart breaks for his former challenger and his family and that Van De Water had a "profound love" for both family and country.

"I know he will be immensely missed, and I'm praying for all who love him — his friends, fellow soldiers, and family," he wrote. "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 lad undoubtedly necessitates."

Van De Water was a judge advocate general in the Army reserves. He graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst with a bachelor's degree in political science and economics and had a juris doctorate from Albany Law School.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, there are resources to help. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 1-800-273-8255. Its website offers services including a live chat.