CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (WWJ) - A Marine who died in a vehicle rollover incident at Camp Pendleton, California, earlier this week has been identified as a Michigan native, officials revealed on Thursday.
Sgt. Matthew K. Bylski, 23, of Royal Oak, Mich. died after an amphibious combat vehicle, or ACV, rolled over during a training exercise on Tuesday, December 12th, at the Southern California base, a service press release stated.
The incident also injured 14 other Marines. One remains hospitalized, but in good condition on Thursday, while the others were treated and released.
Bylski was part of 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, in the Corps' 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, or MEU, officials stated.
“Words fail to express our sorrow at the tragic loss of Sgt. Bylski; an outstanding Marine and a leader within his platoon,” said Col. Sean Dynan, commanding officer of his unit. "The Marines who lived, trained, and learned from Sgt. Bylski, mourn alongside his family and friends.”
As reported by the military publication Stars and Stripes, Bylski joined the Marine Corps in 2019 and served as a ACV crewman. During his military career, the 23-year-old was awarded two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, a Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.
Bylski, who grew up in Royal Oak, is a 2018 graduate of Hazel Park Schools. The district released their own statement about the former student's death on Wednesday, referring to Bylski as "a true hero."
“He was a real special kid,” his father, Ken, said in the statement.
"He was always willing to help anyone out," his brother Josh said via Hazel Park Schools. "He was so compassionate. He was always upbeat and would do anything he could to bring you out of a bad situation and put you in a better mindset."
Bylski is survived by his wife, Lexi. who he married in June 2022, his father Ken and his mother Sandra Rogoff.
The cause of the incident remains under investigation.