SANTA TERESA, N.M. — The Marine Corps has identified the two service members killed in a vehicle crash earlier this week near the U.S.-Mexico border as Lance Cpl. Albert Aguilera, 22, and Lance Cpl. Marcelino Gamino, 28.
The two Marines were traveling in a non-tactical vehicle with a third Marine when the crash occurred Tuesday during a convoy movement from Santa Teresa, New Mexico, to El Paso, Texas, according to a Marine Corps statement released Thursday night.
The third Marine, who serves with the 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division, remains in critical condition at a local hospital. Their name has not been released.
All three Marines were from a 1st Marine Division detachment based in Camp Pendleton, Calif.
Aguilera, a combat engineer, enlisted in 2023 and was promoted to lance corporal in May 2024. Gamino, also a combat engineer with the same battalion, enlisted in May 2022 and earned the rank of lance corporal in August 2024.
“The loss of Lance Cpl. Aguilera and Lance Cpl. Gamino is deeply felt by all of us,” said Lt. Col. Tyrone A. Barrion, commanding officer of 1st Combat Engineer Battalion. “I extend my heartfelt condolences and prayers to the families of our fallen brothers. Our top priority right now is to ensure that their families, and the Marines affected by their passing, are fully supported during this difficult time.”
The Marines were assigned to Joint Task Force – Southern Border. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.