A young Marine who had only recently begun his military career died this week in a vehicle-related training accident at Camp Pendleton, Marine Corps officials said Friday.
Private First Class Tanner Rubio, 21, was fatally injured Wednesday afternoon during what the service described as a tactical vehicle incident on base. The mishap occurred at about 1:45 p.m. during routine training. Officials released no further information, noting only that the episode is under investigation and is unrelated to the ongoing Steel Knight exercise.
Rubio, a native of California, entered the Marine Corps in January 2025 and earned his qualification as an infantry rifleman. He was serving with the 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment at the time of his death.
Maj. Gen. Thomas Savage, who leads the 1st Marine Division, said Rubio’s loss “is one felt across the division,” adding that his service “will not be forgotten.” Savage said the division is keeping Rubio’s family in its thoughts and prayers.
