Chris Kyle Biography: Age, Wife, Children, Height, Parents, Siblings, Cause of Death, Movie, Book

Biography

Chris Kyle, born Christopher Scott Kyle on April 8, 1974, but killed on February 2, 201, was a celebrated U.S. Navy SEAL sniper, often recognised as one of the most lethal snipers in American military history.

Born in Odessa, Texas, he enlisted in 1999 and served four tours in Iraq, earning a reputation for his marksmanship with over 160 confirmed kills.

His autobiography, American Sniper, became a bestseller and was adapted into a 2014 film. Awarded two Silver Stars and five Bronze Stars for valour, Kyle was known for his dedication to protecting his fellow soldiers.

After retiring in 2009, he worked to support veterans, but was tragically killed in 2013 at a Texas shooting range.

United States Navy SEAL sniper
Chris Kyle
Wiki Facts & About Data
Real Name:	Christopher Scott Kyle
Stage Name:	Chris Kyle, Devil of Ramadi, Ninja Smoke, Tex, The Legend
Born:	8 April 1974 (age 38 years old)
Place of Birth:	Odessa, Texas, United States
Died:	2 February 2013 (age 38 years), Erath County, Texas, United States
Nationality:	American
Education:	Midlothian High School, Tarleton State University
Height:	1.87 m
Parents:	Wayne Kenneth Kyle, Deby Lynn Mercer
Siblings:	Jeff Kyle
Spouse:	Taya Kyle (m. 2002–2013)
Girlfriend • Partner:	Not Dating
Children:	Colton Kyle, McKenna Kyle
Occupation:	Sniper
Net Worth:	$2 million (USD)

Early Life & Education

Chris Kyle was born Christopher Scott Kyle on April 8, 1974, in Odessa, Texas—a small city renowned for its oil industry and rugged landscapes.

He grew up in a tight-knit, working-class family with a strong sense of patriotism and traditional values. His ethnicity was Caucasian, and he was raised in a Christian household, where his family attended a local church, instilling in him a deep sense of faith that would influence his life and later writings.

Chris was the son of Wayne Kenneth Kyle, a church deacon and Sunday school teacher, and Deby Lynn Mercer, a homemaker. He had a younger brother, Jeff Kyle, who also pursued a military career, serving in the United States Marine Corps. The brothers shared a close bond, shaped by their upbringing in rural Texas, where hunting and outdoor activities were a way of life.

Growing up, Chris developed a passion for the outdoors. His father taught him to hunt and shoot, skills that would later define his military career. As a young boy, he was given a Daisy BB gun and later a .22 rifle, which helped develop his marksmanship skills.

He was also drawn to rodeo, competing as a bronc rider in his teens; however, injuries from the sport eventually led him to pursue other interests. His love for the cowboy lifestyle and Texas culture remained a core part of his identity.

Chris attended Midlothian High School in Midlothian, Texas, where he was an average student but excelled in athletics and outdoor activities. He graduated in 1992 and briefly attended Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas, where he studied agriculture with a focus on ranch management.

However, college didn’t suit him, and he left after two years, working as a ranch hand before deciding to enlist in the U.S. Navy in 1999, drawn to the challenge of becoming a SEAL.

Career

Chris Kyle, a highly decorated U.S. Navy SEAL sniper, is remembered as one of the most skilled marksmen in American military history.

Born with a passion for marksmanship, Kyle enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1999 and endured the demanding Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training, earning his SEAL Trident in 2001. He was assigned to SEAL Team 3, where he specialized as a sniper and quickly gained a reputation for his unmatched precision.

Between 2003 and 2009, Kyle completed four deployments to Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom, participating in major battles including Fallujah and Ramadi.

His accuracy in eliminating threats from long distances earned him the nickname “The Legend” among fellow soldiers. With 160 confirmed kills (out of 255 probable), he became recognized as one of the deadliest snipers in U.S. military history.

Throughout his service, Kyle received numerous awards for valor, including two Silver Stars, five Bronze Stars with Valor, and several other commendations. Known for his protective instincts, he often said that his mission was to keep his comrades safe. When not deployed, he shared his expertise by training other SEALs as a marksmanship instructor.

After retiring from the military in 2009, Kyle faced the challenges of transitioning to civilian life, including struggles with post-traumatic stress. Determined to help others, he co-founded Craft International, a security and training company, and devoted himself to supporting fellow veterans. Through fitness programs, camaraderie, and shooting range events, he worked tirelessly to aid wounded warriors in their recovery.

In 2012, Kyle co-authored American Sniper, a bestselling memoir that detailed his military experiences and personal struggles. The book later inspired the 2014 blockbuster film directed by Clint Eastwood. Tragically, Kyle’s life was cut short in 2013, but his legacy continues to inspire both military personnel and civilians around the world.

Personal Life

Chris Kyle was born on April 8, 1974, and was 38 years old at the time of his death on February 2, 2013.

He married Taya Kyle, also known as Taya Studebaker, in 2002, after meeting her in 2001 at a bar in San Diego while he was training to become a Navy SEAL. Their relationship began during his early military career, and they built a strong bond despite the challenges of his frequent deployments.

Taya, a schoolteacher, became his steadfast partner, and their marriage endured the strains of his service and post-military life. They had two children: a son, Colton Kyle, born in 2004, and a daughter, McKenna Kyle, born in 2006.

The family lived in Texas, where Chris and Taya focused on raising their children amid his demanding career and later, his work as a veteran advocate. Chris stood at 6 feet 2 inches tall, with a strong, athletic build suited to his SEAL training and rodeo background.

His autobiography, American Sniper, and Taya’s memoir, American Wife, emphasise their committed relationship, with no mention of other romantic partners. Their marriage faced challenges, particularly due to his prolonged absences during deployments and struggles with post-traumatic stress, but they worked through these issues together until his death.

Net Worth

At the time of his death in 2013, Chris Kyle‘s net worth was estimated at approximately $2 million.

His wealth primarily came from his military service as a U.S. Navy SEAL, royalties from his bestselling autobiography American Sniper (published in 2012), and the subsequent 2014 film adaptation directed by Clint Eastwood, which grossed over $540 million worldwide.

Additional income sources included his tactical training company, Craft International, as well as public speaking engagements. While his military salary provided a stable foundation, his post-service ventures, particularly the book and film, significantly boosted his financial legacy, which continues to support his family and veteran-focused initiatives.