Two Inland Empire Marines have been identified among the deceased after an amphibious assault vehicle accident off the coast of Southern California on Thursday, July 30th.
Pfc. Bryan J. Baltierra, 19, of Corona, California, and Cpl. Cesar A. Villanueva, 21, of Riverside, were among the eight Marines and one Sailor tragically killed in the accident.
Riverside Mayor Rusty Bailey offered his condolences to Cpl. Villanueva's family, noting that his mother had shared he was a graduate of La Sierra High School and recently married.
Sixteen people were aboard the AAV, according to Radio.com. The other seven were rescued, and two were hospitalized.