The 1st Marine Division is mourning the loss of 1st Lt. Hugh McDowell, 24, who was killed when a light armored vehicle rolled over on Thursday at Camp Pendleton, Marine Corps officials have announced.
Six other Marines who were injured in the accident were treated for non-life threatening injuries, a 1st Marine Division news release says.
McDowell was a platoon commander with the 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, according to the news release. He was commissioned in May 2017 and his awards include the National Defense Service Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.
The cause of the rollover is under investigation.
“We recognize that military operations are inherently dangerous and we take extreme precautions to ensure the safety and welfare of our Marines,” the news release says. “This is a tragic accident and we are heartbroken at the loss of a member of our Marine Corps family. We will do all we can to comfort the family, friends and colleagues of Lt McDowell.”