Marine Corps Says Platoon Commander Killed in Accident

Marine Corps Says Platoon Commander Killed in Accident
First Lt. Hugh C. McDowell. (United States Marine Corps via AP)

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif.—One Marine is dead and six others have been injured after their light armored vehicle rolled over during training at Camp Pendleton in Southern California on May 9.

The Marine Corps has identified the marine killed as a 24-year-old platoon commander, First Lt. Hugh C. McDowell from Washington.

McDowell joined the Marine Corps in May 2017. His awards include the National Defense Service Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

The Marine Corps said it was a “tragic accident and we are heartbroken at the loss of a member of our Marine Corps family.”

The Department of Defense also offered condolences to McDowell’s family. “Our deepest condolences go out to the family, friends and fellow Marines of 1st Lt. Hugh C. McDowell, platoon commander, 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division,” the Department of Defense said on Twitter. “We honor his service and sacrifice to our nation.”

Authorities say the cause of the Thursday morning rollover at the sprawling camp north of San Diego is under investigation.

The military says the six injured Marines were taken to a hospital and they weren’t seriously hurt.

The Marines are from the 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division.

In April, the military identified a Marine Raider who died at a hospital the day after an MRZR tactical vehicle he was driving rolled over at Camp Pendleton during training.

Authorities said at the time that 29-year-old Staff Sgt. Joshua Braica was from Sacramento and had a wife and son. He was a critical skills operator with the 1st Marine Raider Battalion and was an 8-year veteran.

Two other Marines had minor injuries after the crash, which was also under investigation.

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