Three U.S. Marines Found dead in North Carolina Gas Station Died of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

In a tragic incident, three U.S. Marines were found unresponsive in a car at a gas station in Hampstead, North Carolina. According to the Pender County Sheriff’s Office, autopsies conducted by the North Carolina Medical Examiner confirmed that the cause of death for all three Marines was carbon monoxide poisoning. The lance corporals, stationed at Camp Lejeune, were identified as Tanner J. Kaltenberg, Merax C. Dockery, and Ivan R. Garcia.
The local sheriff’s office has not yet determined whether the deaths were accidental or not. Sheriff Alan Cutler expressed his condolences and stated, “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.”
Sgt. Chester Ward of the Pender County Sheriff’s Office mentioned that they received a missing person report from one of the Marines’ mothers after her son failed to arrive home on a scheduled flight. This report led to the discovery of the deceased Marines at the gas station.
The mother of Merax C. Dockery, Heather Glass, shared her experience of waiting for her son’s arrival at the airport and the subsequent search efforts. She expressed relief that her son passed away peacefully in his sleep and believed that carbon monoxide poisoning was the cause of death for all three Marines.
Merax C. Dockery, the youngest of five siblings, joined the Marines for personal growth and the opportunity to travel. His mother described him as a kind soul who was well-liked by everyone. Funeral arrangements are currently being made.
With the tragic loss of these three Marines, the community mourns the untimely deaths of young servicemen who dedicated themselves to serving their country.

About the Author

Hannah Schoenbaum is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.

Source

Hannah Schoenbaum And Gary D. Robertson, The Associated Press