A 27-year-old Marine killed in an early morning crash on Camp Pendleton Friday has been identified, the California Highway Patrol confirmed.
Decorated Marine John D. Wise III died when his car crashed down an embankment off Cristianitos Road, then hit a utility pole and tree shortly after midnight Friday.
A passing motorist noticed his grey Mazda 3 in the embankment, east of El Camino Real on the far North end of the base and found the Marine unresponsive in the car.
CHP officers believe the Marine was driving eastbound when he crashed.
The Marine was pronounced dead at the scene by responding emergency personnel.
CHP Officer Mark Latulippe said that it wasn't immediately clear what time the crash occurred or if drugs or alcohol were involved.
The Marine lived on base, according to the CHP.
Local
The United State Marine Corps says they are heartbroken at the tragic loss of a member of their family.
