Javier F Pong: Marines launch probe after recruit, 18, collapses and dies during training
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA: Javier F Pong, an 18-year-old Marine Corps recruit, died after collapsing during training at Base Camp Pendleton last month, according to a Marine Corps statement released on Saturday. Pfc Pong "fell unconscious and unresponsive" on September 27 at the installation close to San Diego while "conducting scheduled training," per the statement. Pong was pronounced dead at 9.20 pm on September 27.
"We are greatly saddened by the untimely passing of Pfc. Javier Pong as he pursued his journey to become a United States Marine. All of us here at MCRD San Diego mourn his loss, and extend our prayers and heartfelt condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time," said Brigadier General Jason L Morris, commanding general, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego.
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The marines are looking into Pong's death, General Morris said. "We are committed to honoring his memory, supporting those with whom he served, and investigating the cause of his death to ensure we can safely transform civilians into Marines and retain the trust of the American people," the statement added.
According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, Pong graduated from high school in May and was from Las Cruces, New Mexico.
Authorities haven't revealed what kind of training recruits were undergoing at the time of Pong's death. It is also unknown why they waited 11 days to disclose the recruit's death.
Pong's unit is in its ninth week of training, according to Capt Joshua Collins, a spokesperson at MCRD San Diego. Pong served with the 2nd Recruit Training Battalion's Echo Company. According to the Marines' recruit training matrix, recruits who train at MCRD San Diego spend around five weeks in the depot before moving to Camp Pendleton for an additional five weeks of field training. Week 8 is "Basic Warrior Training," according to the matrix, which covers survival fighting abilities like marksmanship, land navigation, and maneuvring under fire.
In-service military training fatalities are typically reported within 24 hours, and the names of deceased service personnel are often released within another 24 hours, pending notification of the next of kin.
When seaman Kyle Mullen, 24, passed away on February 4 while participating in SEAL training in Coronado, the Navy released a news release the next day. The following day, February 6, they announced Mullen in a different release.
Collins said the marines delayed releasing information about the death “out of a desire to provide the family with time to grieve.”
The Marine Corps did not release Pong’s service information, home of record, or service photo. Pong's death is being investigated and updates will be provided as more information becomes available, Capt Collins said.