SAN DIEGO (KGTV) – U.S. military officials have identified the Marine who died Thursday during a training exercise at the base.
Lance Corporal Joseph D. Whaley, from Maury County, Tennessee, was identified as the Marine who died, according to a Marine Corps communications director based in Quantico, Virginia.
The incident happened during a nighttime live-fire training event, and Whaley was assigned as a student with the base’s School of Infantry-West. According to the email sent to ABC 10News, Whaley was about four weeks into the 13-week Basic Reconnaissance Course at the base.
"BRC is the entry-level course for Marine Corps Reconnaissance. His designated occupation was 0300 Infantry student," the email read.
Whaley's previous training included rifleman training at the Marine Corps Base Camp in Camp Lejune, North Carolina, and recruit training on Parris Island, South Carolina.
Whaley earned the National Defense Medal award during his career.
Officials stated, “An investigation into the circumstances of the death is ongoing and the command is fully cooperating with the investigation efforts. SOI-W is providing support to the family and peers of the deceased during this difficult time. There is no additional information available at this time.”
The Marine Corps also sent its deepest condolences to Whaley's family and loved ones.
More information won't be released until the investigation is completed.
