Three U.S. Marines Remembered After Carbon Monoxide incident in North Carolina

HAMPSTEAD, North Carolina — The families, fellow service members, and friends of Lance Cpl. Tanner J. Kaltenberg, Lance Cpl. Merax C. Dockery, and Lance Cpl. Ivan R. Garcia continue to remember the three young U.S. Marines whose l1v3s were tragically cut short after they were found inside a vehicle at a gas station in Hampstead, North Carolina.

The Pender County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the three Marines d13d from carbon mon0xide poisoning after autopsies were completed by the North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

Investigators stated that the findings were consistent for all three service members, and no evidence of foul play was announced.

The Marines were identified as Lance Cpl. Tanner J. Kaltenberg, 19, of Madison, Wisconsin; Lance Cpl. Merax C. Dockery, 23, of Pottawatomie, Oklahoma; and Lance Cpl. Ivan R. Garcia, 23, of Naples, Florida. All three were ᴀssigned to Combat Logistics Battalion 2, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group at Camp Lejeune.

Authorities began the investigation after Merax C. Dockery’s mother contacted law enforcement when her son failed to arrive for a scheduled flight to Oklahoma.

Deputies responding to the missing-person report located the privately owned vehicle parked at a Speedway gas station, where the three Marines were discovered unresponsive.

Military leaders expressed their condolences following the tragedy. Brig. Gen. Michael E. McWilliams, commanding general of the 2nd Marine Logistics Group, said the Marine Corps remained focused on supporting the families, fellow Marines, and everyone affected by the devastating l0ss.

The three Marines were remembered for their dedication, professionalism, and honorable service to the United States.

As loved ones continue to honor Lance Cpl. Tanner J. Kaltenberg, Lance Cpl. Merax C. Dockery, and Lance Cpl. Ivan R. Garcia, their memories live on among their families, friends, and the military community.

Their pᴀssing remains a solemn reminder of the hidden dangers of carbon mon0xide exposure and the enduring sacrifice of those who proudly wear the nation’s uniform.