Marine dies in vehicle rollover during training exercise at California combat center

A Marine was killed when a Humvee vehicle rolled over during a training exercise at a combat center in California, military officials say.

The unidentified Marine was assigned to a Tactical Training Exercise Control Group in Twentynine Palms on Saturday when the fatal accident occurred.

Marine Corps officials said the victim was involved in a vehicle rollover during a force-level training exercise in which a high-mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicle was at the center of the exercise.

The Marine was treated at Robert E. Bush Naval Hospital in Twentynine Palms before being medically evacuated to Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs, officials said.

The marine’s death was confirmed in the second hospital on Sunday.

No other Marines were injured in the incident, authorities said.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the Marine’s family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time,” the Twentynine Palms Combat Center said in a statement.

They added that they would not disclose the soldier’s identity until 24 hours after notifying all relatives.

The cause of the vehicle rollover is still being investigated.

In 2021, a report published by the US Government Accountability Office revealed the frequency of training accidents involving tactical vehicles.

Between 2010 and 2019, the Army and Marine Corps reported 3,753 non-combat accidents involving tanks, trucks and other tactical vehicles, resulting in 123 service members losing their lives.

According to the report, driver inattention, lack of supervision and inadequate training were the most common causes of these accidents.

This is not the first time this year that a Marine has died during an exercise on U.S. military property.

Sergeant Colin Arslanbas was killed in a parachute accident during a training accident at Camp Lejeune Marine Base in North Carolina on April 18, II Marine Expeditionary Force officials said.

The Marine was assigned to the Maritime Special Purpose Force, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, at the time.

Arslanbas from Missouri was promoted to sergeant just a few weeks before his tragic death.