Beloved Marine Cullen Crowley Dies After Brave Fight Against Cancer

New York, NY – Cullen Crowley, a 25-year-old graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and former Marine, has died following a courageous battle with cancer. Crowley, who was set to turn 26 in August, passed away early Sunday morning, coinciding with Memorial Day weekend.

His family, including former Congressman Joe Crowley and his wife Kasey, expressed their profound sadness in a statement. “When we think of Cullen, we can’t help but smile. He radiated an infectious love of life that lifted spirits around him,” they shared. They described Cullen’s ability to turn simple moments into extraordinary memories, recalling his passion for music and his love for dancing.

Cullen was inspired to serve his country from a young age. After attending a football game at the U.S. Naval Academy at age 12, he set his sights on becoming a Midshipman. He achieved this goal in 2018 and cherished his time there as pivotal to his personal growth.

After graduating as a second lieutenant in 2022, he continued his training at Quantico. However, after receiving a diagnosis of Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor, a rare cancer, Cullen officially retired from the Marine Corps in 2024 but remained proud of his service.

Born in Queens, New York, Cullen cherished memories of playing with family and friends, often enjoying visits to relatives in Montana. His family said that he found joy in nature and had a deep appreciation for the beauty of the country.

Despite the challenges of his illness, Cullen persevered for two and a half years, battling with the fortitude expected of a Marine. In their statement, his family expressed gratitude to the medical team at Johns Hopkins Medicine and the support from the Marine Corps, Naval Academy, and Gonzaga College High School.

“Cullen is our hero,” they stated. “We are endlessly proud of the man he became. The fact that he touched so many lives is an honor we will always cherish. We miss you, Cullen. Forever and always.”