A 20-year-old Marine, Lance Cpl. Jackson Forringer, died during pre-deployment training at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, officials confirmed, saying his death is under investigation by the Navy Criminal Investigation Service.

The Marine from Chesnee, S.C., was part of the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment based at Camp Lejeune, N.C. He and his unit were at the Southern California base as part of routine training.

“I can confirm that NCIS is conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Lance Cpl. Forringer, as we do in response to any non-combat, medically unattended fatalities of Department of the Navy service members,” said Jeff Houston, a spokesperson for NCIS. “Out of respect for the investigative process, NCIS will not comment further while the investigation remains ongoing.”

Forringer was killed on April 20, while taking part in Integrated Training Exercise 3-23 at the base, said Sgt. Alexa Hernandez, a spokesperson for the 2nd Marine Division at Camp Lejeune. The training exercise is designed to provide large forces the opportunity to put Marines through a live-fire program incorporating the various elements of an assault – including both units on the ground and aircraft in the sky – simultaneously.

Forringer enlisted in the Marines in July 2021. He had just turned 20 on April 9. His awards and decorations consist of the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and National Defense Service Medal.

Forringer’s death follows a separate all-terrain vehicle crash at the base at the end of March in which three Marines, also from the 2nd Regiment, were injured.

In an online obituary posted by Andrea and Todd Foringer, the couple said their son graduated from Chesnee High School in 2021 and that serving in the Marine Corps was his “lifelong dream.”

“He never met a stranger and was one of the humblest, kind-spirited individuals you could meet,” they said. “He loved to give back and help others. Jackson loved his family and his friends unconditionally.”

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