19-Year-Old From Wisconsin Among 3 Marines Found Dead In Vehicle

MADISON, WI — A 19-year-old from Wisconsin was among three Marines found dead in a privately owned vehicle in North Carolina on Sunday, according to the U.S. Marine Corps.

The three Marines were found unresponsive around 9 a.m. Sunday in Hampstead, North Carolina, according to a news release from the Marine Corps that identified the three. In an earlier Facebook post, the Pender County Sheriff's Office said they were investigating a missing persons report when they found three bodies found outside a Speedway store.

The Marine from Wisconsin was identified as Lance Corporal Tanner J. Kaltenberg, who entered active duty in May 2021. He was a motor vehicle operator with Combat Logistics Battalion 2, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group.

Kaltenberg had been previously assigned to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in California and the Motor Transport Instruction Company in Missouri, the Marine Corps said. He has received awards such as the National Defense Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Medal, Navy Arctic Service Ribbon and the Global War on Terror Service Medal, the Marine Corps said.

Photos published online by the Marine Corps give a glimpse into one of Kaltenberg's recent missions in March, as marines trained in various exercises in Norway such as mountain warfare training.

The Marine Corps identified the others who died as Lance Corporal Merax C. Dockery, 23, of Oklahoma, and Lance Corporal Ivan R. Garcia, 23, of Florida.

Authorities did not immediately reveal what could have been behind the deaths of the three Marines who were stationed at Camp LeJeune.

“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.”

The Marine Corps said all three were pronounced dead on July 23, while the investigation is under the Pender County Sheriff's Office.

Sgt. Chester Ward from the sheriff's office told the Associated Press that no drugs were found in the vehicle, although autopsy results were being awaited, a report from Tuesday said.