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On Friday, the Marine Corps announced the tragic passing of 21-year-old Private First Class Tanner F. Rubio, who died in a training accident earlier in the week in Southern California.
Rubio lost his life in what officials have described as a “tactical vehicle mishap” occurring Wednesday afternoon at Camp Pendleton, situated in San Diego County. Serving with the I Marine Expeditionary Force (I MEF), Rubio was part of the largest Marine Air-Ground Task Force in the Corps.
A native of Dixon, California, Rubio enlisted in the Marine Corps in January 2025. He was trained as an infantry rifleman, preparing for frontline combat, and was assigned to a battalion within the 1st Marine Regiment of the 1st Marine Division, which is recognized as one of the Marine Corps’ principal combat units.
Major General Thomas Savage, commanding general of the 1st Marine Division, expressed the division’s sorrow in a statement, saying, “The tragic loss of Pfc. Rubio is one felt across the 1st Marine Division. He will be sorely missed, but his honorable service to his country will not be forgotten. All of us at the Blue Diamond will keep him and his family in our thoughts and prayers.”
Officials clarified that Rubio’s untimely death was not connected to the ongoing Steel Knight exercise, an annual training event that had commenced earlier in the week at the base.
His death was not related to Steel Knight, an annual training exercise that began Monday on the base, officials said.
State Sen. Catherine Blakespear, whose district includes Camp Pendleton, previously described the accident as “tremendously upsetting” and emphasized the sacrifices Marines make to protect the nation.
A view of U.S. Marines training on Amphibious Combat Vehicles (ACV) at Camp Pendleton Friday, Sept. 26, 2025. (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times)
“I am incredibly saddened to learn of the tragic training accident at Camp Pendleton that claimed the life of a Marine from the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force,” Blakespear said in a Facebook post Wednesday. “My heart and deepest sympathies go out to the Marine’s family, loved ones, and other service members who are grieving this loss.
A view of the sign at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton Friday, Sept. 26, 2025. (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times)
“Our Marines put themselves in harm’s way every day even on home soil during routine training so that our nation remains safe. Representing Camp Pendleton and these service members is a true honor and hearing of this is tremendously upsetting.”
“I will be closely monitoring the investigation into this accident. In this difficult moment, I extend my condolences to all who are mourning within the Camp Pendleton community.”
Fox News Digital reached out to the I Marine Expeditionary Force for more information.
