Marines Identify Officer Killed in Pendleton Vehicle Rollover

The Marine Corps has identified an officer killed in a Thursday vehicle accident at a California base.

First Lt. Hugh C. McDowell died when a light armored vehicle rolled over at about 9 a.m. during a battalion training event. McDowell was a platoon commander with 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion from Washington, D.C. He was 24.

"We are heartbroken at the loss of a member of our Marine Corps family," a Marine Corps statement reads. "...Semper Fidelis, Brother."

Six other Marines were injured in the LAV accident. They were treated at a nearby hospital, but their injuries were not serious, 1st Lt. Cameron Edinburgh, a spokesman for 1st Marine Division, said in a Thursday statement.

The accident remains under investigation. It's the second fatal vehicle rollover accident at Camp Pendleton in less than a month.

"We recognize that military operations are inherently dangerous and we take extreme precautions to ensure the safety and welfare of our Marines," a Marine Corps statement reads. "This is a tragic accident and we are heartbroken at the loss of a member of our Marine Corps family.

"We will do all we can to comfort the family, friends and colleagues of Lt. McDowell."

McDowell earned his Marine Corps commission in May 2017. His awards include the National Defense Service Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

-- Gina Harkins can be reached at gina.harkins@military.com. Follow her on Twitter @ginaaharkins.