Marine killed in freak live-fire training accident named as investigation launched
Lance Corporal Joseph D. Whaley died while taking part in a live-fire training exercise at Camp Pendleton in California.
Tennessee Marine killed during live-fire training event
The marine killed during a night-time live-training exercise in California has been named as Lance Corporal Joseph D. Whaley.
Whaley, who was in his fourth week of 13 in basic reconnaisance training, died on Thursday at Camp Pendleton in San Diego County.
The native of Columbia, Tennessee graduated from high school in 2022 and was training at the base’s School of Infantry-West.
"An investigation remains ongoing into the matter and the command is in full cooperation," the Marine Corps said in a statement.
"The family and loved ones have our deepest condolences as we continue to work with them during this difficult time.
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"There is no additional information available, pending the conclusion of the investigation."
Precise detail about his death - besides that it occurred during a live-fire drill - are yet to be released.
Training deaths are rare but high-profile instances have occurred in recent years.
In 2020, eight Marines and one sailor were killed in an accident off the coast of San Clemente Island.
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They were inside an amphibious assault vehicle during a routine exercise when it began to take on water and sink, leaving them trapped.
All were part of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, also based at Camp Pendleton.
Camp Pendleton, set up in 1942, is the biggest Marine Corps base on the West Coast, located in San Diego County.
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