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

PENDER COUNTY, NC — The death of three Marines in North Carolina on Sunday, including one from Wisconsin who was 19, was 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, 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 prior, 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.”

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.

“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.”

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