Bodies of Naples Marine, 2 others found at North Carolina gas station

HAMPSTEAD, NC. — The U.S. Marine Corps has identified the three Marines found inside a car Sunday at a gas station in Hampstead, North Carolina.

Officials identified them as Marine Corps Lance Corporal Ivan R. Garcia (23) from Naples, Florida; Marine Corps Lance Corporal Tanner J. Kaltenberg (19) from Madison, Wisconsin and Marine Corps Lance Corporal Merax C. Dockery (23) from Pottawatomie, Oklahoma.

According to the Pender County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to the Speedway gas station on Highway 17 in Hampstead early on Sunday after bodies were reported being in a car.

When deputies arrived, they found a car in the gas station’s parking lot with three bodies inside.

“My deepest sympathy and condolences are extended to the family, friends, and colleagues of Lance Cpl. Kaltenberg, Lance Cpl. Dockery and Lance Cpl. Garcia,” said Brig. Gen. Michael E. McWilliams, commanding general of 2nd Marine Logistics Group. “Our focus is providing the necessary resources and support to those impacted by their tragic loss as they navigate this extremely difficult time.”

The Pender County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the three Marines.