A soldier from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, was killed on Monday in a car accident that left two other soldiers injured.
According to a news release on Tuesday from the 7th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office, U.S. Army PFC Joseph Alejandro Marquez, 20, was killed in a “single vehicle incident” during a training exercise at Yakima Training Center.
A native of Dover, Delaware, Marquez was a member of 2-2 Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 7th Infantry Division.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Pfc. Marquez,” Lt. Col. Michael Filanowski, commander of 8th squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, said in a statement. “Blackhawk Squadron sends its deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. Our prayers and thoughts are with them during this difficult time.”
The injured troops were transported to Yakima Memorial Hospital where they were treated and released. Their names have not been released due to privacy guidelines.
The incident is under investigation.
The 8th Squadron, 1st U.S. Cavalry shared a photo of Marquez on Facebook, as well as a message expressing “incredible sadness” over his death.
“It is with a very heavy heart and incredible sadness that the Blackhawk Squadron announces the passing of one of our own PFC Joseph Alejandro Marquez. PFC Marquez joined the Army in 2021 from his hometown of Dover, Delaware. He was pronounced dead on scene after a vehicle accident during a unit exercise at the Yakima Training Center on April 25, 2022,” the post stated.
“PFC Marquez was known for his laughter and the light he spread everywhere he went. We knew him as a loving son and brother to his family, a faithful friend to his comrades, and a loyal Soldier to his nation. He was and is so loved, and already so missed. We will share details of the memorial as they come.❤️ Please respect the unit and the family as we grieve our loss,” it added.
Several other accidents have claimed the lives of U.S. service members so far this year.
Last month, a U.S. Army soldier was killed during an incident involving two helicopters at Wright Army Airfield in Hinesville, Ga., approximately 40 miles southwest of Savannah.
In February, a member of the Texas National Guard was killed in an “accidental firearm discharge,” according to the Texas Military Department. The Army Times reported that the soldier was assigned to help secure the U.S.-Mexico border as part of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s Operation Lone Star. He was reportedly killed by a fellow soldier who accidentally shot him with his personal weapon.
