Tori J. Ross 
United States Marine Corps spear. Jonathan E. Gierke, left, poses for a recruit training graduation photo at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, May 18, 2021, and PFC. Zachary W. Riffle poses for a recruit training graduation photo at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, May 10, 2021. US Marine corps photo
A Lance Corporal and Private First Class lost their lives in a rollover accident on Wednesday, the Marine Corps said Friday.
launches the corporal. Jonathan Gierke, 19, of Lawrencville, Georgia, and Private First Class Zachary Riffle, 18, of Kingwood, West Virginia, died after a tactical vehicle overturned while turning right. Both died at the scene, according to a press release from the service.
Gierke and Riffle were landing support specialists with Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 2nd Combat Logistics Regiment, 2nd Marine Logistics Group.
Gierke and Riffle enlisted in the Marines in March 2021. They both received the National Defense and Global War on Terror Medals.
“My deepest condolences go out to the family, friends and fellow Marines who lost their lives or were injured in Wednesday’s vehicle crash,” Brig said. General Forrest Poole, commanding general of 2nd Marine Logistics Group, said in a statement. “Our commanders, chaplains and medical providers are diligently supporting our Marines and sailors during this time. We deeply appreciate all the thoughtful community messages we have received over the past few days. »
Two Marines involved in the crash were airlifted to New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington, North Carolina. They were still there on Friday but were in stable condition, the statement said.
Another Marine was in stable condition at Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune. The other Marines involved in the accident have been released from the hospital. There were 19 Marines in the vehicle at the time of the crash, with the 17 in the rear having been thrown during the rollover, the North Carolina Highway Patrol told the local news site. WITH.
Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement (MTVR) driver Lance Cpl. Luis Poncebarrera, was arrested and charged with two counts of misdemeanor death by motor vehicle and one count of exceeding a safe speed in connection with the crash, USNI News previously reported.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol and Marines are investigating the crash. All investigations are ongoing.
