The marines who were found dead in a private car were identified by Camp Lejeune. They are Lance Corporals Tanner J. Kaltenberg, Merax C. Dockery, and Ivan R. Garcia, between the ages of 19 and 23.
The car in which these Marines were found was parked at a North Carolina Gas Station, 40 Kms from Camp Lejeune. The Pender County Sheriff confirmed the death on Sunday.
One of the Marines’ mothers called the Pender County Sheriff’s office and reported his missing son. She informed me that she had even spoken to her son’s superintendent, but he was nowhere to be found. The sheriff’s office combed the area and found a car parked with three marines. After the autopsy, it was discovered that they had inhaled carbon monoxide and died.
What Must Have Happened to the Marines?
It all began on Sunday at 8:30 a.m. when deputies were looking into another case of a missing person. They received a call from the mother of one of the Marines reporting about his missing son. She reported that her son didn’t arrive on a scheduled flight to Oklahoma.
Also, she has spoken with her son’s unit supervisor, who said they are looking for him. Just after 9 a.m., deputies were told that the Marine and two others had been found in the vehicle at the gas station.
Three marines’ bodies were taken for an autopsy at North Carolina Medical Center, where the coroner found the cause of death was carbon monoxide poisoning
Despite the reason for death being cleared, the deputies aren’t convinced of just the cause of death. There are too many factors pointing to the strangeness of the situation.
The car in which the body is found was parked in an open space where death by carbon monoxide is next to impossible. Ideally, carbon monoxide poisoning takes place when the car is parked in a closed compartment, such as a garage.
Sheriff Alan Cutler, who is investigating the matter, expressed his remorse and said-
“I am saddened by the timeless and tragic death of these three young men who served our country honorably. Our thoughts and prayers remain with their families and colleagues during this time.”
The commanding general of the 2nd Marine Logistics Group, Brig. Gen. Michael E. McWilliams said-
“My deepest sympathy and condolences are extended to the family, friends, and colleagues of Lance Cpl. Kaltenberg, Lance Cpl. Dockery, and Lance Cpl. Garcia.”
“The investigation of the case is open, as the deputies are expecting foul play.”
Who Were These Marines?
The men identified by the U.S. Marine Corps are Tanner J. Kaltenberg, age 19, from Wisconsin; Merax C. Dockery, age 23, from Oklahoma; and Ivan R. Garcia, age 23, from Florida. The 2nd Marine Logistics Group, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, and Combat Logistics Battalion 2 were all motor vehicle operators.
Kaltenberg entered active duty service in May 2021. He served in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, and San Diego. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Medal, Navy Arctic Service Ribbon, and the Global War on Terror Service Medal.
Dockery started serving in June 2020. He was placed at Camp Pendleton, California, San Diego, and Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. He had the National Defense Service Medal, the Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, and the Global War on Terror Service Medal.
According to officials, Garcia had served the longest in the military, beginning in July 2019.
Source: NBC News
