Marine Dies in Training Accident Just Weeks After Getting Promoted: 'Tragic Loss'

"We offer our deepest condolences and unwavering support to his family during this most difficult time," said a military official on the death of Sgt. Colin Arslanbas

• The II Marine Expeditionary Force announced that Sgt. Colin Arslanbas died during a training exercise in the vicinity of Camp Lejeune on April 18 

• Among Arslanbas’ honors were the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and National Defense Service Medal

• “The incident is under investigation,” said the Marines in a press release

A Marine who was just promoted earlier this month died on April 18 during a training exercise in North Carolina, said military officials.

The marine was identified as Sgt. Colin Arslanbas, who was assigned to the Maritime Special Purpose Force, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), per an April 20 news release posted by the II Marine Expeditionary Force on X.

According to the service, the accident happened around 11 p.m. local time in the vicinity of Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune.

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“The training accident is under investigation,” per the press release.

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Arslanbas was promoted to the rank of sergeant on April 1, per the Marine Corps. He had enlisted in the service on March 16, 2020.

Col. Todd Mahar, commander of the 24th MEU, commented about Arslanbas’ death in a statement from the news release.

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“Words cannot convey our sorrow for the tragic loss of one of our MEU family members,” he said. “The 24th MEU family mourns the loss of an outstanding Marine and leader. We offer our deepest condolences and unwavering support to his family during this most difficult time.”

Among Arslanbas’ honors were the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and National Defense Service Medal.

Originally from Missouri, Arslanbas attended Fort Zumwalt West High School, according to his Facebook page, reported The News & Observer.

News of Arslanbas’ death prompted tributes from North Carolina Senators Thom Tillis and Ted Budd on X.

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“Susan and I are saddened to learn of Sgt. Colin Arslanbas' passing during a training exercise near the North Carolina coast,” wrote Tillis. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and the  @USMC Camp Lejeune community.”

“Amy Kate and I send our deepest prayers and condolences to the family of Sgt. Colin Arslanbas and the entire @USMC Camp Lejeune community,” said Budd in his post.

PEOPLE reached out to the Marine Corps for additional information Monday.

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