“Three Marine Lance Corporals Identified as Victims in North Carolina Gas Station Incident”

Three Marine lance corporals stationed at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina were found dead at a gas station. The men were identified as Tanner J. Kaltenberg, Merax C. Dockery, and Ivan R. Garcia. The cause of death has not been released, but authorities do not suspect foul play. The U.S. Marine Corps is providing support to the families of the deceased as they navigate this difficult time. Autopsy results are expected to determine the cause of death. The Associated Press reported

Three Marine lance corporals stationed at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina were found dead at a gas station over the weekend, according to the U.S. Marine Corps. The men were identified as Tanner J. Kaltenberg, 19, of Madison, Wisconsin; Merax C. Dockery, 23, of Pottawatomie, Oklahoma; and Ivan R. Garcia, 23, of Naples, Florida. They were motor vehicle operators with the Combat Logistics Battalion 2, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, and 2nd Marine Logistics Group.

The Pender County Sheriff’s Office received a missing person report for one of the Marines before finding the three men unresponsive in a privately owned car at a Speedway gas station in Hampstead, about 29 miles southwest of the Camp Lejeune base. Medical authorities pronounced them dead on the same day, and the cause of death has not been released.

Sgt. Chester Ward of the Pender County Sheriff’s Office stated that no drugs were found in the vehicle, and they do not suspect foul play. However, the cause of death is still unknown, pending autopsy results.

Brig. Gen. Michael McWilliams, commanding general of the 2nd Marine Logistics Group, expressed his condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of the deceased Marines. He emphasized the Marine Corps’ commitment to providing necessary resources and support during this difficult time.

Authorities expect to determine the cause of death by Wednesday. The tragic loss of these young Marines has deeply impacted the Camp Lejeune community, and investigations are ongoing to shed light on the circumstances surrounding their deaths..

1. Camp Lejeune Marine Base
2. North Carolina gas station
3. U.S. Marine Corps.