Victim of fatal Humvee crash in California is remembered as a ‘Marine’s Marine’

Staff Sgt. Jerry Betzold died on July 28, 2024, while training at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms, California. (Facebook)

The Marine who died in a Humvee rollover accident in California over the weekend was a 26-year-old Indiana native, according to the service.

Staff Sgt. Jerry Betzold died Sunday during training at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms, Calif. He was injured a day earlier and taken to a local hospital but later succumbed to his injuries.

Betzold represents “everything that is good and pure in our nation and our corps,” Marine Colonel David Hart said in a statement Monday.

No other Marines were injured in the accident, which is currently under investigation.

Betzold was from Avon, a suburb of Indianapolis, and joined the Corps in 2016. He was trained as an infantryman and was promoted to staff sergeant in March.

There was overwhelming support for Betzold on Facebook from fellow Marine Corps members and friends.

“A wonderful squad leader, mentor and great personality,” wrote one Marine.

Another added: “An incredible leader and a great person. I am extremely grateful for everything you taught me and the good, hard training. You will be missed forever.”

Others remembered Betzold’s easy-going manner and his ability to make the best of difficult situations.

“You were always light-hearted and always had a smile on your face, no matter the weather, conditions or situation,” wrote a friend from the Marine Corps. “You were definitely a Marines-Marine.”

His awards included numerous good conduct and distinction medals and he also received the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

“Our thoughts and full support go out to his family and friends as we all get through this extremely difficult time,” Hart said.