Marine Corporal Javier Pong in an undated photograph from Baca’s Funeral Chapels in Las Cruces (New Mexico) San Diego — An 18-year-old Marine recruit died last month after falling during training at Camp Pendleton in Southern California, according to a military statement released over the weekend.
According to a Marine Corps statement released on Saturday, Pfc. Javier Pong “fell unconscious and unresponsive” while “performing scheduled training” on September 27 at the installation outside San Diego. At Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton, he passed away.
The commanding general of Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Brig. Gen. Jason Morris, stated that the Marines are investigating Pong’s death.
Morris stated in the statement, “We are very grieved by the unexpected demise of Pfc.
Javier Pong while he pursued his dream of being a United States Marine.” “We are committed to honoring his memory, supporting those with whom he served, and researching the cause of his death to ensure that we can safely transition civilians into Marines and maintain the public’s trust.
” According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, Pong graduated high school in May and was from Las Cruces, New Mexico.
The Marines did not immediately respond to the Union-concerns Tribune’s regarding the type of training candidates were doing at the time of Pong’s collapse. Officials did not explain why the death was announced 11 days later.
According to the publication, in-service military training deaths are usually revealed within 24 hours.