A Camp Pendleton-based Marine was killed Tuesday in a one-vehicle accident that injured two fellow Marines deployed in the United Arab Emirates, the Marine Corps said in a statement Wednesday.
Cpl. Eloiza Zavala, 20, originally from Sacramento, was serving as a vehicle operator with Combat Logistics Battalion 13 during the multi-nation, multi-force exercise Native Fury 20. She was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash by first responders, the Marines said.
The accident involved a Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement, commonly called a 7-ton truck, on a road in the United Arab Emirates, the statement said.
Zavala deployed from Logistics Battalion 1, Combat Logistics Regiment 1 at Camp Pendleton.
Two other Marines, both lance corporals, were injured. One sustained serious injuries and was medically evacuated to Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City in Abu Dhabi. The other had non-life threatening injuries and transported to Ruwais Medical Center in Abu Dhabi.
Zavala enlisted in the Marines in April 2018 and reported to Camp Pendleton in December of that year. Her awards include the National Defense Service Medal and the Global War on Terror Service Medal.
Brig. Gen. Roberta L. Shea, the commanding general of 1st Marine Logistics Group, called the accident tragic.
“We are praying for the loved ones of our lost and injured Marines,” she said in a statement. “Our priority is assisting in medical recovery efforts and to provide comfort and assistance to their families, friends, and comrades during this trying time.”
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