Three marines who served at Camp Lejeune, were found dead inside a car Sunday morning, according to the Pender County Sheriff’s Office.
The vehicle was discovered at the Speedway on U.S. 17 near Highway 210. The three men were found non-responsive shortly after 9:00 a.m. in Hampstead, inside the car which was privately-owned. The bodies were later identified by the U.S. Marine Corps 2nd Marine Logistics Group.
“My deepest sympathy and condolences are extended to the family, friends, and colleagues of Lance Cpl. Kaltenberg, Lance Cpl. Dockery and Lance Cpl. Garcia,” said Brig. Gen. Michael E. McWilliams, commanding general of 2nd Marine Logistics Group. “Our focus is providing the necessary resources and support to those impacted by their tragic loss as they navigate this extremely difficult time.”
The sheriff’s office said foul play is not suspected. However, more details about their cause of death can be known after the medical examiner submits the autopsy results. Deputies initially responded to the gas station to investigate a report of a missing person before coming across the car with the bodies of the marines.
“This is an ongoing investigation. There does not appear to have ever been any threat to members of the community. More information will be released as we are able to do so,” a sheriff’s office announcement stated.
Who was Tanner Kaltenberg?
Marine Corps Lance Corporal Tanner J. Kaltenberg was 19 years old from Madison, Wisconsin. Kaltenberg was a Motor Vehicle Operator with Combat Logistics Battalion 2, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group. He entered active duty service in May 2021.
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Who was Merax Dockery?
Marine Corps Lance Corporal Merax Dockery was 23 years old, hailing from Pottawatomie, Oklahoma. Dockery was a motor vehicle operator with Combat Logistics Battalion 2, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group. He entered active duty service in June 2020.
Who was Ivan Garcia?
Marine Corps Lance Corporal Ivan Garcia was 23 years old from Naples, Florida. Garcia was a motor vehicle operator with Combat Logistics Battalion 2, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group. He entered active duty service in July 2019.