A 25-year-old U.S. Marine has died during a "fast roping" training exercise in Japan, military officials confirmed. Lance Cpl. Devin J. Hernandez, a combat engineer from Maryland, was injured during training Tuesday evening at Marine Corps Camp Schwab and was pronounced dead at the U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa on Camp Foster.
Military officials stated that the incident remains under investigation and the nature of Hernandez's injuries is unclear. Hernandez was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. He had previously earned the Navy Arctic Service Ribbon.
"Fast roping" is a technique that allows troops to quickly descend a rope from a helicopter or an Osprey tiltrotor aircraft. Marines at Camp Schwab typically train on a rappel tower before progressing to air operations.
"The Marines and Sailors of 3rd Marine Division mourn the loss of one of our own," said division commander Maj. Gen. Kyle Ellison in a statement. "We extend our deepest condolences to Lance Col. Hernandez's family, friends and fellow Marines. Our focus remains on supporting them while we fully investigate the circumstances of this tragic incident."
Maryland Governor Wes Moore remembered Hernandez as a "Marylander who bravely raised his hand to serve our country." He added, "We are stronger and safer because of his dedication and patriotism."
This incident follows the death of Tech. Sgt. Ian Patterson, 37, who died in a fall during a stunt at a college football game weeks earlier. Patterson was rappelling from the rafters of the Alamodome in San Antonio when he fell approximately 150 feet. He was treated on the field and later died at a hospital. An investigation into Patterson's death is examining the setup and inspection of his rappelling gear. Patterson was a tactical air control party (TACP) airman, a role that involves embedding with combat units and calling in air and artillery strikes.