COLUMBIA, S.C., Feb. 21 (UPI) -- The parents of a U.S. Marine recruit who drowned during training plan to sue the government and hope for a court-martial for anyone responsible.
Johnny and Linda Tharp, in an interview Monday with NBC's "Today" show, said their son was sick and should not have been taking a swim qualification test during Marine boot camp. Jason Tharp died Feb. 8 after an incident during training in a pool at Parris Island, S.C.
WIS-TV, Columbia, S.C., captured what it terms an "intense interaction" between Jason Tharp and a drill instructor prior to the recruits' death.
The Tharp told NBC they plan to sue the military for wrongful death and hope authorities convene a court-martial in the case.
"I hope we get justice and get some kind of legislation passed where this won't happen again," Johnny Tharp said.
The drill instructor, two platoon drill instructors and two swim instructors have been suspended while the incident is investigated, Marine Corps officials told WIS.
