Marines died of carbon monoxide poisoning in car, autopsy shows

An autopsy report indicates three Marines found inside a rigged car on July 23 died of carbon monoxide poisoning.

The U.S. Marine Corps identified the Marines found in a privately-owned vehicle in Hampstead as:

• Lance Cpl. Tanner Kaltenberg, 19, of Madison, Wisconsin
• Lance Cpl. Merax Dockery, 23, of Pottawatomie, Oklahoma
• Lance Cpl. Ivan Garcia, 23, of Naples, Florida

The three Marines were stationed at nearby Camp Lejeune, the Marine Corps said.

Autopsy reports obtained by WRAL News in December rule out suicide, drug use or foul play, instead suggesting the car was rigged in a way that was not safe.

According to an autopsy report, the vehicle was found July 23 in a gas station parking lot. The windows were tinted and the doors were unlocked. The ignition was turned on but the car was not running.

The car was found when family members of one of the Marines tracked the location of his phone after he missed his flight.

An autopsy report states the car "had been modified in a way that caused multiple large defects in the exhaust system." Another report describes the car had been "lowered" and the exhaust pipes were rusted and not connected.

"It appeared that exhaust from the vehicle would have been released under the passenger cabin and not the rear bumper," the report reads.

The air conditioning system did not work properly, the report indicates, and one of the Marines had a 23% concentration of carbon monoxide in their blood.

Surveillance video from the gas station shows the Marines parked the car around 2 a.m. on July 22 and were never seen exiting the vehicle.

Kaltenberg entered active duty service in May 2021, Dockery in June 2020 and Garcia in July 2019.

“My deepest sympathy and condolences are extended to the family, friends, and colleagues of Lance Cpl. Kaltenberg, Lance Cpl. Dockery and Lance Cpl. Garcia,” said Brig. Gen. Michael E. McWilliams, commanding general of 2nd Marine Logistics Group. “Our focus is providing the necessary resources and support to those impacted by their tragic loss as they navigate this extremely difficult time.”

Kaltenberg served in San Diego and Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. His military awards include the National Defense Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Medal, Navy Arctic Service Ribbon, and Global War on Terror Service Medal.

Dockery served in San Diego; Camp Pendleton, California and Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. His military awards include the National Defense Service Medal, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, and Global War on Terror Service Medal.

Garcia served in Parris Island, South Carolina; Camp Lejeune, North Carolina and Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. His military awards include the National Defense Service Medal, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, and Global War on Terror Service Medal.