A 25-year-old Marine has died after being injured during fast-roping training, just weeks after a US airman fell to his death during a stadium stunt.
Lance Cpl Devin J. Hernandez, a combat engineer, was taken to a hospital Tuesday evening after he was injured during training at Marine Corps Camp Schwab in Japan.
The Maryland native was later pronounced dead at the US Naval Hospital Okinawa on Camp Foster, military officials said.
Hernandez served with the 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, based at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. He had previously received the Navy Arctic Service Ribbon.
Officials have not disclosed the nature of Hernandez’s injuries. The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation.
Fast-roping enables troops to rapidly deploy by sliding down a rope from a helicopter or an Osprey tiltrotor aircraft.
At Camp Schwab, Marines first practice on a rappel tower before advancing to aerial operations.
“The Marines and Sailors of 3rd Marine Division mourn the loss of one of our own,” division commander Maj. Gen. Kyle Ellison said in a statement.
Lance Cpl Devin J. Hernandez, 25, died during fast-roping training Tuesday evening. Source: Facebook/Devin Hernandez
Hernandez served with the 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina and had earned the Navy Arctic Service Ribbon. Source: Facebook/Devin Hernandez
Fast-roping allows troops to quickly descend from a helicopter or Osprey tiltrotor aircraft into an area
“We extend our deepest condolences to Lance Cpl. Hernandez’s family, friends and fellow Marines,” Ellison continued. “Our focus remains on supporting them while we fully investigate the circumstances of this tragic incident.”
Maryland Governor Wes Moore also honored Hernandez as a “Marylander who bravely raised his hand to serve our country.”
“We are stronger and safer because of his dedication and patriotism,” Moore said. He added that he and his wife “join his family, friends and all who served with him in mourning his death and will keep them in our prayers.”
Hernandez’s death comes weeks after Tech Sgt. Ian Patterson, 37, a decorated service member with more than 15 years in the military, died in an accident during a stunt at a Navy-University of Texas football game at San Antonio’s Alamodome.
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Video from the incident showed Patterson lose his grip on a rope while rappelling from the stadium rafters before plunging to the ground.
He received treatment on the field for about 10 minutes before being taken away and transported to a hospital, where he later died, according to a statement from Nellis Air Force Base Public Affairs.
Investigators are expected to examine whether Patterson’s harness and rope had been properly installed and whether the rig was independently inspected before his descent, according to the San Antonio Express-News.
Tech Sgt. Ian Patterson, 37, a decorated service member with more than 15 years in the military, died during a stunt at a Navy-University of Texas football game. Source: GoFundMe
Patterson was treated on the field for about 10 minutes before being taken to a hospital, where he later died
The father of two was a tactical air control party, or TACP, airman. These special warfare personnel operate alongside combat units and direct precision airstrikes and artillery fire.
As part of their training, TACPs learn to fast-rope from structures 15 to 30 feet high and rappel from helicopters at heights of 100 feet or more.
A retired special operations officer told the Express-News that he had heard Patterson may have tried to fix an issue with his rappelling rig. The equipment had reportedly not been independently inspected before Patterson stepped from the platform and descended.
“I take that information seriously, but I also recognize that the investigation needs to establish the facts,” the unidentified retired officer said.
The officer and other experts emphasized the need for a follow-up inspection whenever equipment has been adjusted.
“One of the things we teach is that you don’t rely solely on expertise or familiarity with the equipment. You verify the hookup, you verify the load-bearing system and, if something changes, you inspect again,” he said.
“Those procedures exist to protect everyone, regardless of how experienced they are.”
The 6th Combat Training Squadron said in a statement that it would not comment on the investigation.
“The incident remains under investigation to determine all verified facts and causes, and it would be inappropriate to speculate on specific equipment or procedures while that independent process is ongoing,” the squadron said.
