Body Of Fallen Marine Returns Home To Riverside County

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — The body of a Marine from Riverside were returned home this week following his death last month in an on-duty crash in New Mexico.

The remains of 22-year-old Lance Cpl. Albert A. Aguilera arrived at the Ontario Airport Monday afternoon, and a 40-mile procession followed to a mortuary in Menifee. From freeway overpasses along the route, first responders saluted the hearse carrying the young Marine's flag-draped casket.

Aguilera was a combat engineer with 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. He enlisted in March 2023 and was promoted to lance corporal in May 2024, according to a U.S. Marine Corps statement.

Aguilera and another Marine, identified as Lance Cpl. Marcelino M. Gamino, 28, of Fresno, died April 15 after the vehicle they were in crashed "while supporting Joint Task Force Southern Border operations," the USMC reported.

The operations involve the use of U.S. troops to guard the U.S.-Mexico border. The efforts are being carried out after President Donald J. Trump signed executive orders aimed at "protecting the territorial integrity of the United States."

Gamino was a combat engineer with 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. He enlisted in May 2022 and was promoted to lance corporal in August 2024. His decorations included the National Defense Service Medal and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. He deployed to Darwin, Australia, with Marine Rotational Force - Darwin in 2024.

Another Marine with 1st Combat Engineer Battalion was involved in the crash and suffered critical injuries. An update on medical condition was unavailable.

"The three Marines were transported to University Medical Hospital, El Paso, Texas, where Aguilar and Gamino were pronounced dead," according to the USMC statement.

The vehicle crash occurred during a convoy movement near Santa Teresa, New Mexico. The incident remains under military investigation.

Following the crash, U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Tyrone A. Barrion, commanding officer for 1st Combat Engineer Battalion and Task Force Sapper, issued a statement.

"The loss of Lance Cpl. Aguilera and Lance Cpl. Gamino is deeply felt by all of us," he said. "I extend my heartfelt condolences and prayers to the families of our fallen brothers. Our top priority right now is to ensure that their families, and the Marines affected by their passing, are fully supported during this difficult time."

Plans for Aguilera's funeral service were not available Monday afternoon.