Three U.S. Marines were found dead Sunday morning after being found unresponsive in a car at a Speedway gas station near Camp Lejeune.
The Pender County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday released the autopsies results for the three men, saying they died of carbon monoxide poisoning.
The Marines, 19-year-old Lance Corporal Tanner J. Kaltenberg of Madison, Wisconsin, 23-year-old Lance Corporal Merax C. Dockery of Pottawatomie, Oklahoma, and 23-year-old Lance Corporal Ivan R. Garcia of Naples, Florida, were found unconscious and unresponsive in a private car by deputies from the Pender County Sheriff’s Office on Sunday morning.
“I am saddened by the timeless and tragic death of these three young men, who served our country honorably,” Pender County Sheriff Alan Cutler said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers remain with their families and colleagues during this time.”
The incident happened just outside of Camp Lejeune where the three were stationed. The cause of death, however, is still unclear as further investigations will need to be conducted.
Carbon monoxide poisoning can happen anywhere and in any situation, in homes, garages, and even outdoors. While carbon monoxide poisoning sometimes occurs as a result of malfunctioning appliances, a build-up of the gas in the general vicinity can be deadly.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning typically go unnoticed until it is too late, including headaches, nausea, vomiting, and confusion. People can be exposed to carbon monoxide for long periods of time before becoming ill, making it important to seek medical attention if you think you have been exposed.
The Marines, and the families they left behind, are asking for prayers and support in light of the tragedy. In a statement, the U.S. Marine Corps said:
“The Marine Corps extends its deepest condolences to the families and friends of the three Marines following this tragic incident.”
It is unclear whether this incident was an accident or intentional, but the U.S. Marines Corps will be continuing their investigation to move forward with the case.
These three brave men sacrificed their lives, and sadly, their families may never find out the story behind why the three of them were found in that car. Regardless of the cause, their loved ones are in our thoughts and prayers.