The Marine Corps is investigating the death of a Marine attending a course at the School of Infantry west.
The 22-year-old Marine, Pfc. Michael Philomeno Giannattasio, was out on land navigation training on the Basic Reconnaissance Course when he was found unresponsive, according to a statement produced by the Marine Corps’ Training and Education Command headquarters in Quantico, Virginia.
Authorities were unable to resuscitate the Marine and EMS responders pronounced him dead on the scene, according to the San Diego Tribune.
NCIS and the Marine Corps are both conducting investigations into the Marine’s death.
“The Marine Corps is in mourning and offer our deepest condolences,” Pena relayed to the San Diego Union-Tribune. “We continue to support the family during this difficult time. PFC Giannattasio was an outstanding Marine who stepped up to the difficult challenge of earning a spot amongst our distinguished reconnaissance forces. Though he will be deeply missed, he will always remain in our ranks. Once a Marine, always a Marine.”
Giannattasio attended boot camp at Parris Island and was awarded the company’s “Iron Man” prize given to Marines for earning the highest physical fitness and combat fitness scores, earning 600 out of 600 points, according to Parris Island officials.
