A 27-year-old Marine has died after his car crashed down an embankment outside of the Cristianitos Gate at Camp Pendleton, California, likely hitting a utility pole and a tree.
Marine Sgt. John D. Wise III, of Riverside, California, was killed Friday. He was pronounced dead at the scene at 12:38 a.m, according to the Orange County Register.
Wise, who has served on multiple deployments, was assigned to 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, Marine Corps spokesman Capt. Paul Gainey told the OCR.
A passing driver noticed the car and found Wise unresponsive. It wasn’t immediately clear what time the crash occurred, or if any drugs or alcohol were involved, California Highway Police Officer Mark Latulippe told NBC 7 San Diego.
Officials are investigating the accident.
The Marine’s awards include the Navy Marine Corps Achievement Ribbon with one gold star, the Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, the Navy Marine Corps Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon, the Marine Corps Good Conduct Ribbon with one bronze star, the National Defense Service Medal Ribbon, the Afghanistan Campaign Ribbon, the Global War Terrorism Service Ribbon, the Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with three bronze stars and the NATO International Security Assistance Force Ribbon.
