SAN DIEGO, April 15 (UPI) -- Eight U.S. Marines have been suspended for a training accident at Camp Pendleton in San Diego that killed a veteran of two tours in Iraq, officials say.
The Marines relieved of duty include a battalion commander, the Los Angeles Times reported.
Sgt. Wesley Rice, 27, an instructor with the Assault Amphibious Schools Battalion, died Jan. 14 when a 26-ton amphibious vehicle sank in a boat basin at Pendleton. Five Marines who were in the vehicle got out.
Brig. Gen. Michael Brogan ordered an investigation of the death. He went to Texas this week to update Rice's family.
Investigators determined the amphibious vehicle had mechanical problems. They also found failures of leadership and what was described as "non-standard" training.
Witnesses said Rice appeared to be heading toward the exit when they saw him last. Investigators reported they have been unable to determine why he did not make it out.
Rice is survived by his wife and 10-month-old daughter. He received the Combat Action Ribbon for his Iraqi service, showing he had been under fire and returned fire.
