The two US Marines who died Wednesday in an incident in North Carolina have been identified by the US Military, according to the recent reports.
The 19-year-old, Lance Cpl. Jonathan Gierke belonged to Lawrenceville, Georgia and the 18-year-old Pfc Zachary Riffle was from Kingwood, West Virginia. Both the officials were pronounced dead at the scene following the tactical vehicle adversity on a Jacksonville highway, The Marine Times reported.
“REST IN PEACE: Two Marines from Camp Lejeune who were killed in a military truck crash in Onslow County have been identified. Military officials said Lance Cp. Jonathan Gierke, 19, and Pfc. Zachary Riffle, 18, died in the crash Wednesday”, WCNC Charlotte Tweeted.
The Marines were immediately ejected from the back when the driver, Lance Cpl. Louis Barrera, attempted to turn on a highway and flipped the vehicle.
17 Marines riding in the back seats got injured in the incident, and the teenage driver, Barrera, who got safe, was charged with “two counts of misdemeanor death by motor vehicle” as per the news arrived.
“A second military vehicle being operated behind the initial vehicle was unable to come to a stop and struck one of the ejected passengers,” said the military officials in a press release.
Three out of seventeen were still in the hospital while the rest had been released on Friday, said the report.
“My sincerest heartfelt condolences are extended to the family, friends, and colleagues of the Marines who lost their lives or were injured in Wednesday’s vehicle mishap,” said the commanding general of 2nd Marine Logistics Group, Brig. Gen. Forrest Poole III. “Our commanders, chaplains, and medical providers are diligently supporting our Marines and Sailors during this time. We deeply appreciate all of the thoughtful community messages we have received over the past several days,” he added.
