Carbon Monoxide Linked To Death Of FL Marine And 2 Others In NC

NAPLES, FL — The deaths of three Marines in North Carolina on Sunday, including one from Florida who was 23, were consistent with carbon monoxide poisoning, the Pender County Sheriff's Office announced in a news release Wednesday.

Autopsies were performed on the three men, —who were stationed at Camp LeJeune, on Wednesday after authorities discovered their bodies around 9 a.m. inside a private vehicle at a gas station in Hampstead, North Carolina, the sheriff's office said. The mother of one of the Marines had reported him missing that morning because he didn't arrive on a flight to Oklahoma the night before, the sheriff's office said.

Authorities identified the three marines as Lance Corporal Tanner J. Kaltenberg, 19, from Madison, Wisconsin, Lance Corporal Merax C. Dockery, 23, from Pottawatomie, Oklahoma, and Lance Corporal Ivan R. Garcia, 23, from Naples, Florida.

Although authorities linked carbon monoxide poisoning to the three deaths, it wasn't immediately clear how it happened.

“I am saddened by the timeless and tragic death of these three young men, who served our country honorably," said Sheriff Alan W. Cutler in a news release. "Our thoughts and prayers remain with their families and colleagues during this time.”

Garcia graduated from Lely High School in Naples in 2019, where he completed a year of JROTC, and entered active-duty service in the Marines that July, according to the Naples Daily News. Before he was stationed at Camp Lejeune, Garcia was stationed in San Diego at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot and in Missouri at Fort Leonard Wood. He was also based at the Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island in South Carolina.

The newspaper reported he was a motor vehicle operator with Combat Logistics Battalion 2, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, according to a statement from the 2nd Marine Logistics Group.

His military awards included the National Defense Service Medal, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation and Global War on Terror Service Medal.

“My deepest sympathy and condolences are extended to the family, friends, and colleagues of Lance Cpl. Kaltenberg, Lance Cpl. Dockery and Lance Cpl. Garcia,” said Brig. Gen. Michael E. McWilliams, commanding general of 2nd Marine Logistics Group, in a news release. “Our focus is providing the necessary resources and support to those impacted by their tragic loss as they navigate this extremely difficult time.”