Officials from the military have confirmed that three Marines were found dead inside a car Sunday approximately 40 miles from near Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, according to military officials. The deceased, all assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion 2 and posted at Camp Lejeune, were identified as Lance Cpl. Tanner Kaltenberg (19), Lance Cpl. Merax Dockery (23), and Lance Cpl. Ivan Garcia (23).
Cause of death is unknown:
After investigating a report of a missing Marine at the Speedway Gas Station in Hampstead, officers from the Pender County Sheriff’s Office located the four-door sedan.
All three of the marines were declared dead on the scene.
Chester Ward, a local journalist, told Port City Daily that there was no reason to suspect foul play. “We’re waiting for an autopsy report, but we have an idea of probably what happened.”
Brig. Gen. Michael E. McWilliams, commanding general of the 2nd Marine Logistics Group, extended his respects to the families. “My deepest sympathy and condolences are extended to the family, friends, and colleagues of Lance Cpl. Kaltenberg, Lance Cpl. Dockery and Lance Cpl. Garcia,” he said, adding:
“Our focus is on providing resources and support to those who have experienced tragic losses.”
The Marine Corps is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding their death.
2nd MLG released the names of the three Marines who were found dead in a car on Sunday. https://t.co/DQXXXmH9JN pic.twitter.com/uZPkaV6l0r
— James LaPorta (@JimLaPorta) July 25, 2023
Internet rumors abound, but at this point, there is no concrete proof of foul play. No drugs were found in the car.
Four Camp Pendleton Marines died in a car crash in Downey last month.
According to investigators, the car was traveling at a high speed when the driver lost control. Initially, the car hit the guardrail of the pedestrian crossing at Lemoran Avenue and then the bridge’s abutment.
CHP reports two passengers from the rear seat were thrown on the right shoulder. After the accident, the car’s rear ended up approximately 100 feet south of its front.
Meanwhile, back in May, three Marines were viciously attacked by a mob of teens in San Clemente, California. Five juvenile suspects were arrested.