The Marine killed during a training mishap aboard the Marine Corps' Air Ground Combat Center (MAGTF) in Twentynine Palms on Friday has been identified, officials said.
Lance Corporal Austin J. Ruiz, 19, of Naples, Florida, was pronounced dead at Bush Naval Hospital after a live-fire training mishap. The training was in preparation for the start of Integrated Training Exercise 2-17.
Ruiz served as a combat engineer with 3rd Combat Assault Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, based in Okinawa, Japan. At the time of the incident, Ruiz was attached to 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment.
A second Marine was injured during the mishap, officials said; he was flown to the Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs.
The Marine, who is assigned to 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii, is in critical condition.
Authorities did not provide any additional information on the live-fire mishap.
"The Lava Dogs of 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines, along with the rest of the Marine Corps, mourn the tragedy which befell two of our Marines and their families. Both Marines answered a higher calling to put service before self and there is nothing more admirable or unselfish," said Lt. Col. Jeremiah Salame, commanding officer of 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, in a statement.
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The incident remains under investigation.
No other information was immediately available.
