Three Marine lance corporals were tragically found dead inside a vehicle at a gas station in Hampstead, North Carolina on Sunday morning, according to a statement released by the Marine Corps. The Marines have been identified as Lance Corporal Tanner J. Kaltenberg, Lance Corporal Merax C. Dockery, and Lance Corporal Ivan R. Garcia. These brave individuals were based at Camp LeJeune, approximately 30 miles away from the gas station where their bodies were discovered.

The cause and circumstances surrounding their deaths are currently under investigation. The Pender County Sheriff's Office made the grim discovery while responding to a missing person report. The bodies were found unresponsive at a Speedway gas station, leaving authorities perplexed and in search of answers.

Sgt. Chester Ward of the sheriff's office confirmed that no drugs were found in the vehicle, and there is no immediate threat to the public. However, authorities have not disclosed any information regarding the probable cause of death. This has left family members, friends, and fellow Marines in shock and seeking closure.

The three Marines belonged to Combat Logistics Battalion 2, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group. Lance Corporal Ivan R. Garcia had been on active duty the longest, joining the service in July 2019. Lance Corporal Merax C. Dockery entered active duty in June 2020, while Lance Corporal Tanner J. Kaltenberg had most recently entered active duty service in May 2021.

Brig. Gen. Michael E. McWilliams, commanding general of 2nd Marine Logistics Group, expressed his deepest condolences to the families and colleagues of the deceased Marines. He emphasized that their top priority is to provide necessary resources and support to those affected by this tragic loss. The entire Marine Corps community is mourning the untimely deaths of these three young servicemen.

The Pender County Sheriff's Office has stated that there is currently no indication of foul play, but the exact cause of death will be determined following a thorough autopsy. The Marine Corps Base Camp LeJeune, where the Marines were stationed, is home to various military units, including the II Marine Expeditionary Force and the 2nd Marine Division.

As the investigation into the deaths of Lance Corporal Tanner J. Kaltenberg, Lance Corporal Merax C. Dockery, and Lance Corporal Ivan R. Garcia continues, authorities have promised to release further details as they become available. The entire community is anxiously awaiting answers, hoping to find closure and understanding in the wake of this devastating incident.