A second Marine died from injuries sustained in Sunday’s Osprey crash in Hawaii, the Marine Corps said in a statement.
Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161 (Rein.) was operating with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) in the Culebra Koa amphibious exercise in Hawaii. An Osprey crashed near the beach by Bellows Air Force Station, creating a fiery scene visible from around the island.
Lance Cpl. Joshua E. Barron, 24, of Spokane, Wash., died, and 21 other Marines were taken to area hospitals. The Marine Corps announced the death of a second Marine today, and two more Marines remain in the hospital in stable condition.
“Words cannot express our sorrow at the tragic loss of this fine young man. He is the best our nation has to offer,” Col Vance Cryer, commanding officer of 15th MEU, said in a statement on Tuesday.
“Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and the families of all the Marines involved in Sunday’s crash. If there is anything positive to relay in this situation it is the heroic, selfless actions of the Marines aboard the aircraft, along with the quick life-saving actions of the civilian and military first-responders.”
The full statement from Marine Corps spokesman Capt. Brian Block:
A second Marine has died of injuries sustained when the MV-22B Osprey he was aboard crashed while conducting training in Marine Corps Training Area – Bellows.
The Marine’s next of kin have been notified. The identity of the Marine will be withheld until 24 hours after that notification was made.
Two Marines remain hospitalized, but are in stable condition.
