Harrowing last ever text sent by real American Sniper Chris Kyle before he was shot and killed

American Sniper Chris Kyle sent a haunting final text message moments before he was murdered by the man he was trying to help.

The former US Navy SEAL, widely regarded as one of the deadliest snipers in American military history, was shot and killed alongside his friend Chad Littlefield at a Texas shooting range on February 2, 2013.

Kyle Was Trying To Help Struggling Veterans

Kyle became renowned after serving as a US Navy SEAL sniper, with the Department of Defense officially confirming more than 160 kills during combat operations in Iraq.

His life later inspired the Oscar-nominated movie American Sniper, directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Bradley Cooper as Kyle.

After retiring from military service in 2009, he dedicated much of his time to helping fellow veterans adjust to civilian life.

According to his widow, Taya Kyle, he believed outdoor activities and spending time together could help struggling veterans heal.

That mission led him to agree to meet a former Marine, Eddie Ray Routh, after Routh’s mother asked him to help her son, who had been struggling with PTSD following service in Iraq and work during the aftermath of the Haiti earthquake.

Kyle, who had never met Routh before, brought along Littlefield to join them for the trip to Rough Creek Lodge and Resort in Glen Rose, Texas.

Shooting Unfolded Moments After Final Texts

According to reports, Kyle was driving with Littlefield in the passenger seat while Routh sat behind them as they headed to the shooting range.

Before the deadly incident unfolded, the ex-NAVY SEAL sent a message to Littlefield that revealed his growing concern about Routh’s behavior.

"This dude is straight up nuts," he texted his friend, CNN reported. Littlefield responded with an equally chilling reply: "He's right behind me, watch my six."

In military slang, "watch my six" means "watch my back".

When the group arrived at the range, Routh opened fire on Littlefield first, shooting him seven times in the back, shoulder, head, and hands. He then turned the gun on Kyle, firing six bullets into his head, chest, shoulder, and right arm.

Gene Cole, a former deputy in Erath County, said that when police later arrested Routh, he reportedly complained that the two men "wouldn't talk to me," cited by PEOPLE.

"I was just riding in the back seat of the truck, and nobody would talk to me. They were just taking me to the range, so I shot them. I feel bad about it, but they wouldn't talk to me. I'm sure they've forgiven me," Cole added.

Emotional Testimony During Murder Trial

During Routh’s murder trial, Kyle became emotional while testifying about the day her husband died.

She recalled becoming worried after sending him a text message and receiving no response.

"I’m not nervous. I’m just emotional," she said in court, per ABC News.

Not long afterward, a police officer arrived at her door to tell her Kyle had been killed.

Routh pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity during the trial. However, on February 24, 2015, a Texas jury found him guilty of murdering both Kyle and Littlefield.

He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Featured image credit: Pool / Getty