SAN DIEGO—An 18-year-old Marine recruit collapsed during training at Camp Pendleton and later died at the Marine Corps base hospital, officials said.
Private First Class Javier F. Pong was pronounced dead at 9:20 p.m. on Sept. 27 at the hospital, the United States Marine Corps Capt. Joshua D. Collins said.
While engaged in scheduled training, Pong became unconscious and unresponsive, Collins said in a news release late Oct. 8.
“We are greatly saddened by the untimely passing of Pfc. Javier Pong as he pursued his journey to become a United States Marine,” said Brig. Gen. Jason L. Morris, commanding general, Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) San Diego….