Three Marines found dead in a car near Camp Lejeune in North Carolina
Authorities say there is no indication of foul play, but the probable cause of death has not yet been released
Military officials reported the discovery of three deceased Marines in the vicinity of Camp Lejeune.
Local reports revealed that the bodies of the three servicemen were found inside a vehicle in Pender County on the morning of July 23rd, approximately 40 minutes away from Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. The deceased individuals were identified as Lance Cpl. Tanner Kaltenberg, aged 19, Lance Cpl. Merax Dockery, aged 23, and Lance Cpl. Ivan Garcia, also aged 23.
The Pender County Sheriff’s Office located the four-door sedan at a Speedway gas station in Hampstead while investigating a missing person report related to one of the Marines.
Upon their discovery, all three Marines were declared dead at the scene, although the cause of their deaths has not been disclosed as of yet.
Sgt. Chester Ward of the Pender County Sheriff’s Office stated that there was no evidence suggesting foul play at this stage and that an autopsy report was awaited to shed light on the situation. They have some preliminary ideas about what may have occurred.
The identities of the victims were released by the Marine Corps in a media statement on Tuesday. All three Marines were assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion 2 and stationed at Camp Lejeune.
Brig. Gen. Michael E. McWilliams, commanding general of the 2nd Marine Logistics Group, expressed his heartfelt sympathies to the families, friends, and colleagues of the fallen Marines. He emphasized their commitment to providing resources and support to those affected by this tragic loss during this challenging period.
The Marine Corps has initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding their deaths, and further details are yet to be disclosed.
