DALLAS -- Two Texas representatives, convinced there were too many inconsistencies in the drowning death of a Dallas Marine recruit who once worked as a lifeguard, have persuaded the U.S. Marines Corps to reopen an investigation.
The Marines Corps Thursday ordered a formal investigation into the death of Pvt. Randall Christian, who died Aug. 27 in a training pool near San Diego, Calif. The first military investigation concluded the death was accidental.
However, witnesses told Rep. Jim Mattox, D-Texas, the recruit was 'within arm's length' of a water safety instructor when he drowned. Mattox then began working to have the investigation reopened.
'I think the inconsistencies were pretty obvious and apparent,' Mattox said.
Mattox asked Rep. Richard White, chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Investigations, to ask Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Robert H. Barrow to repeat the inquiry into Randall's death.
'That an outstanding young man drowned virtually within arm's length of an instructor warrants the closest examination of all circumstances surrounding this tragic case,' White said in his letter to Barrow.
White asked Barrow for a formal investigation with 'on-the-record testimony questioning conflicting statements.'
Lt. Col. Walter DeFlorest, a press spokesman for the Marines in Washington, D.C., said a letter was sent Thursday by the Marine headquarters to Maj. W.H. Rice, commander of the San Diego Marine Corps recruit depot, ordering the formal investigation.
DeFlorest said details of the formal investigating panel and a time schedule for the investigation would be released when they are known. The investigation is scheduled to be concluded by the end of November.
Witnesses to the drowning, which occurred as recruits were undergoing survival training, said water safety instructor Sgt. Rudy Rodriguez repeatedly pushed Christian, who was screaming and struggling, away from edge of the pool.
Christian had been a lifeguard at a Dallas swimming pool and a member of his high school swim team.
